DNR
Medical abbreviation · Emergency Medicine
| Stands for | Do not resuscitate |
|---|---|
| Categories | Medical |
DNR stands for Do not resuscitate, an emergency medicine abbreviation.
Medical order stating that CPR, defibrillation and related resuscitation will not be attempted if the patient's heart or breathing stops. It is written after discussion with the patient or legal decision maker and recorded in the chart, on wristbands or on out-of-hospital forms.
Example: Code status: DNR, okay for intubation, pressors and ICU transfer per family meeting.
Usage notes
A DNR order is not "do not treat": patients may still receive antibiotics, surgery, ICU care or even intubation unless separately limited. Related terms include DNAR (do not attempt resuscitation), AND (allow natural death) and the UK's DNACPR. Outside hospitals, state-approved forms or POLST orders tell EMS what to do, because a hospital DNR does not travel with the patient.
Related abbreviations
More emergency medicine abbreviations
- CPSS – Cincinnati Prehospital Stroke Scale
- CTAS – Canadian Triage and Acuity Scale
- DCAP-BTLS – Deformities, contusions, abrasions, punctures/penetrations, burns…
- DNACPR – Do not attempt cardiopulmonary resuscitation
- DNAR – Do not attempt resuscitation
- DNI – Do not intubate
- DOA – Dead on arrival
- DPL – Diagnostic peritoneal lavage
- eFAST – Extended focused assessment with sonography for trauma
- EMD – Emergency medical dispatcher
- EMS – Emergency medical services
- EMTALA – Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act
See all 97 emergency medicine abbreviations →
This entry is for general education and is not medical advice. Abbreviation use varies between institutions; always confirm in context.