What Full Code and DNR right Myths
Quick Summary
- Full Code: “Do everything to keep me alive.”
- DNR: “Keep me comfortable, but don’t restart my heart if it stops.”
- DNR/DNI: “Don’t restart my heart and don’t use a breathing machine.”
- Comfort Measures Only: “Only keep me comfortable — no life-prolonging treatments.”
Full Code Meaning
You want doctors to do everything possible to save your life.
What they do:
- CPR (push on the chest to restart the heart)
- Defibrillation (electric shocks to the heart)
- Intubation (putting a breathing tube in)
- Any other life-support machines or treatments
Goal:
- To keep you alive by using all available treatments.
DNR (Do Not Resuscitate)
DNR Meaning
You do not want CPR or other treatments to restart your heart if it stops.
What they do:
- Give medicines
- Provide oxygen
- Treat illnesses and keep you comfortable
Goal:
- Let death happen naturally, without aggressive efforts to bring the heart back.
Other Related Choices
- DNR/DNI (Do Not Resuscitate / Do Not Intubate): No CPR and no breathing tube or machine.
- Comfort Measures Only: Focus only on comfort and pain relief, without trying to keep you alive longer.
