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You have been sent to attend a 65 year old man who has brain cancer and is short of breath. What is the most appropriate action to take considering this patient has in place an order for DNR.

A) Talk with the patient's family and see if persuasion can work so that you can transport the patient

User Colcarroll
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Final answer:

When you have been sent to attend a 65-year-old man with brain cancer who is short of breath and has a Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) order in place, the most appropriate action to take in this situation would be to give oxygen to the patient and then transport (Option B).

Step-by-step explanation:

The instructions of the DNR need to be carefully heeded, as it specify the patient's wishes regarding resuscitation efforts. Consultation with a medical director or the patient's oncologist can provide clarity on the appropriate steps that respect the patient's wishes as well as the legal requirements of the DNR order. It is important to strive for pain relief and symptom control for the comfort of the patient without overriding the stipulations of the DNR.

In sum, the steps that could be considered are:

  • Give oxygen to the patient (B) if it aligns with the DNR order and does not constitute an attempt at resuscitation.
  • Reach out to the medical director or oncologist (C and D) for guidance on permissible interventions.

It is not appropriate to attempt to persuade the patient's family to go against the DNR order (A), as this would disrespect the patient's legal and personal wishes. Instead, focus on providing palliative care and respecting the patient's autonomy and end-of-life decisions.

Thus, the correct option is B.

Your question is incomplete, but most probably your full question was

You have been sent to attend a 65 year old man who has brain cancer and is short of breath. What is the most appropriate action to take considering this patient has in place an order for DNR.

A) Talk with the patient's family and see if persuasion can work so that you can transport the patient

B) Give oxygen to the patient and then transport

C) Reach out to your medical director regarding the possibility of giving the patient oxygen but not transporting

D) Get in touch with the oncologist who treats the patient to get directions on the most appropriate care you can provide.

User Kiran Kuppa
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