The nurse is caring for four patients on the intermediate care unit and plans emergency care for the patients. Which patient is unsuitable for cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR)?

Question

a. An 88-year-old patient with end-stage lung disease
b. The patient with a valid order for a no-code status
c. The patient who specifies not to perform chest compressions
d. The patient whose family does not want the patient resuscitated

Answer 1

B
The patient who has a valid order to withhold patient resuscitation from the healthcare provider or according to agency policy should not receive CPR if breathing stops, the heart stops beating, or the patient cannot maintain an airway. The nurse communicates the patient's directive to withhold resuscitative measures to the entire nursing staff because inadvertent CPR can result in legal liability. Unless the patient specifies that CPR is to be withheld, the nurse must institute resuscitative measures as the need arises despite a grim diagnosis or advanced age. A patient who specifies no chest compressions allows the nurse to provide an airway and breathing; thus the nurse implements resuscitative measures except for chest compressions. Unless the patient is incompetent, the family cannot decide his or her code status because it violates the patient's right to self-determination and to refuse treatment.