Advanced Directives and DNR Orders

Flashcards covering key vocabulary and concepts related to Advanced Directives and DNR Orders.

Living Will

Written instructions about desired medical treatment if the patient becomes unable to communicate or make decisions. It expresses the patient's wishes and does not appoint a decision-maker.

Health Care Proxy / Durable Health Care POA

Designates another person to make health care decisions if the patient lacks decision-making capacity; names the decision-maker.

DNR/DNAR Order

A medical order directing healthcare providers not to perform CPR if the patient experiences cardiac or respiratory arrest. Other appropriate treatments may still be provided.

POLST/MOLST

Medical orders translating a seriously ill patient's treatment preferences into actionable orders across healthcare settings. It is more specific and portable than a traditional advance directive.