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Differentiate: advanced directives versus do not resuscitate (DNR) orders and understand what happens in the place of no DNR present at the scene.

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Final answer:

Advanced directives and DNR orders serve different purposes in medical decision-making. Advanced directives detail specific medical interventions a person wants, while DNR orders state that medical personnel should not resuscitate a person if their heart stops or they stop breathing. If no DNR order is present, medical personnel will typically attempt to resuscitate the person.

Step-by-step explanation:

In the context of medical decision-making, advanced directives and DNR (Do Not Resuscitate) orders serve different purposes.

An advanced directive is a written legal document that details specific medical interventions a person wants, such as whether they want life-extending treatments. It may also include a health care proxy, which designates someone to make medical decisions on their behalf if they are unable to do so.

Advanced directives are typically created in advance to ensure that a person's wishes are known in advance.

A DNR order, on the other hand, specifically states that if a person's heart stops or they stop breathing, medical personnel should not take steps to revive or resuscitate them. A DNR order is often included as part of an advanced directive or communicated separately to family and close friends.

If a person does not have a DNR order in place and their heart stops or they stop breathing, medical personnel will typically take steps to resuscitate them using CPR, defibrillation, and other life-saving measures.

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