What does a Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) order signify when signed by a patient?

A Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) order specifically indicates a patient's decision to refuse Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) in the event of cardiac arrest or respiratory failure. This order is a vital component of advance care planning, allowing patients to communicate their wishes regarding end-of-life care. By signing a DNR, the patient is expressing that they do not want healthcare providers to perform CPR or other resuscitation efforts to restore heart function if they stop breathing or their heart stops beating.

In this context, the other options presented do not align with what a DNR signifies. The refusal of medications, transfer to a nursing home, or a second opinion are unrelated to the parameters of resuscitation and thus fall outside the intended scope of a DNR order. This precise focus on the refusal of resuscitative measures underscores the DNR's role in ensuring that patient autonomy is respected in critical medical situations.