Northwest Oncology & Hematology

Rolling Meadows Office: 847.870.4100
Elk Grove Village Office: 847.437.3312
Hoffman Estates Office: 847.885.4100
Barrington Office: 847.842.0180


Understanding DNR OrdersOrden de no reanimar

Understanding DNR Orders

Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) orders tell hospital staff not to perform potentially life-saving measures, such as CPR, if the patient's heart and lungs stop working. A DNR order must be written by a doctor. This can only be done with the patient's or family's consent. If a patient has not written an advance directive, the family with the help of the healthcare team will decide on a DNR.

You can cancel a DNR order at any time. Ask the nurse if you have any questions about the DNR form.

Writing a DNR Order

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When might a DNR order be written? When a patient is near death, if recovery isn't likely, or if the treatment could cause more harm than good. Coma and terminal illness are instances when a DNR order might be used.

Irreversible Coma

In a coma, a patient does not respond to sight, sound, or touch. The heart and lungs could be working, but brain function is damaged due to trauma or disease.

Terminal Illness

In the last stages of heart disease, AIDS, cancer, and other illnesses, some patients don't want to prolong their suffering. If recovery isn't likely and quality of life is poor or getting worse, a patient or the family may agree to a DNR order.

DNR Orders and Hospice care

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A hospice program can offer care during the final weeks of life. Hospice programs provide pain control and comfort care in the home or at special facilities. Hospice does not provide aggressive treatment. In fact, a DNR order will likely be discussed before a patient is admitted to hospice. A social worker or case manager may be able to help you arrange for hospice support.

Date Last Reviewed: 2005-05-05T00:00:00-06:00

Date Last Modified: 2009-06-01T00:00:00-06:00

Contact us at Northwest Oncology & Hematology. Call any of our four locations: 847.870.4100 (Rolling Meadows office), 847.437.3312 (Elk Grove Village office), 847.885.4100 (Hoffman Estates office) and 847.842.0180 (Barrington office). For your convenience, you can also use our New Patient Request an Appointment online form to schedule your consultation with us.

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