Under what circumstance can facility staff withhold CPR or the use of an AED?

When facility staff encounter a "Do Not Resuscitate Order" (DNR), they are legally and ethically required to respect the resident's wishes regarding their medical care. A DNR is a formal directive indicating that a person does not want CPR or other resuscitative measures to be performed if their heart stops beating or they stop breathing. This order is often part of an advanced care planning process and reflects the patient's preferences or values about end-of-life care. It is crucial for healthcare staff to adhere to such orders to ensure that they honor the individual's choices regarding their treatment, thereby upholding patient autonomy and dignity.

In contrast, the other scenarios do not justify withholding CPR or the use of an AED. For instance, if a resident is unconscious, the standard response would typically be to initiate CPR, as quick action is critical in lifesaving situations. Similarly, the determination by the staff that CPR is not necessary is subjective and does not align with established protocols unless there is a DNR in place. Additionally, the age of the resident does not inherently influence the decision to provide or withhold CPR or the use of an AED. Thus, the presence of a DNR is the clearest and most appropriate reason for staff to withhold these life-saving