DNR

The worst part of my job is discussing DNR status with a patient or their family. I find people are not well educated as to what really happens when a patient is found without a pulse or breathing...people only know what they see on TV which really doesn't protray the reality and success rate of CPR....the drama of doctors and nurses beating on someone's chest and putting pattles on someone and then showing the EKG monitor going from aystole to NSR is not what really happens. I had the opportunity to really explain the success rate of CPR to a family member the other day...I have to say this is probably the 100th time a provider has explain this him during his brothers longterm stay and he always says "I want to do to my brother the same thing I want for me"....well the reality is that the healthiest person will only have a 20% survival if CPR is preformed on them....if the person, like this patient, has any other health problems(emphysema, ascvd and heart disease) that 20% significantly drops...then I get the question...what would you do if it is one of your family members...I don't even want to go there...why does hearing what I would do help you decide what you are going to do...just know the fact plus look at the quality of life...this particular patient has already has a poor quality of life...has dementia,fed by tube feed is dependent in his care, is immobile, needs a lift to get him in and out of bed...I just don't understand how his family sees that doing CPR will make this man's life any better.....I am all for doing the best for our patients and do no harm but really what is truly the best for this patient...I just hope after my lengthy conversation with this patient's brother, that he really makes a sound and educated decision....I know thats what I would want for my family members...