National Association of Boards of Long Term Care Administrator (NAB) CORE Practice Exam

Who can authorize a Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) order for a cognitive care recipient?

1. The care recipient's daughter

2. The care recipient

3. The care recipient's spouse

4. The care recipient's son

The correct answer is: The care recipient's son

A Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) order is a medical order indicating that a person does not want to receive cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) or other advanced cardiac life support in the event of cardiac arrest. The critical factor in authorizing a DNR order is the ability of the care recipient to understand the implications of such a decision. The most appropriate person to authorize a DNR order is typically the care recipient themselves, provided they have the capacity to make informed decisions about their medical treatment. In some cases, family members such as a spouse or children may be involved in discussions about such orders, especially if the care recipient lacks decisional capacity or is unable to communicate their wishes due to cognitive impairment. Therefore, while the care recipient's spouse or children might play a role in the decision-making process, it is ultimately the care recipient who has the authority to authorize the DNR order if they are capable. If they are not capable, then a legal representative or an appointed surrogate may need to make the decision on their behalf. In this context, the answer indicating that the care recipient's son can authorize the DNR is not correct unless the care recipient lacks the capacity to do so. The correct answer