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. 2011 Winter;11(4):302-6.

DNR, DNAR, or AND? Is Language Important?

Joseph L Breault  1
Affiliations

DNR, DNAR, or AND? Is Language Important?

Joseph L Breault. Ochsner J. 2011 Winter.

Abstract

The American Heart Association in 2005 moved from the traditional do not resuscitate (DNR) terminology to do not attempt resuscitation (DNAR). DNAR reduces the implication that resuscitation is likely and creates a better emotional environment to explain what the order means. Allow natural death (AND) is the name recommended in some settings to make the meaning even clearer. Most hospitals still use the obsolete DNR term. Medical staffs should consider moving to DNAR and in some settings to AND. Language is important.

Keywords: AND, allow natural death; CPR, cardiopulmonary resuscitation; DNAR, do not attempt resuscitation; DNR, do not resuscitate; code status.

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References

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