The opposite of a "Do Not Resuscitate" (DNR) order is full code.
A DNR order, also known as a "Do Not Attempt Resuscitation" (DNAR) order, is a legal document that instructs healthcare providers not to perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) if a patient's heart stops beating or if they stop breathing. Conversely, if a patient is designated as "full code," it means they want all available measures taken to resuscitate them. This includes chest compressions, artificial ventilation, medication administration, and defibrillation, if necessary.
Essentially:
- DNR: No resuscitation attempts.
- Full Code: All resuscitation attempts.
It's important to note the existence of a "partial code," which specifies certain interventions a patient does or does not want to receive. For example, a patient might agree to intubation but not chest compressions. However, the direct opposite of a DNR, indicating a desire for full intervention, is "full code."
