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DNACPR communication — SCE Acute Medicine MCQ

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ModeratePerioperative Medicine, End-of-Life Care and Patient SafetyDNACPR communicationSCE Acute Medicine

A 82-year-old man is assessed on the acute medical unit. He is upset after seeing a DNACPR form and thinks antibiotics will be withheld. He has capacity and is being treated for pneumonia. Initial assessment includes relevant observations, bedside tests and urgent blood results. What would you advise this patient?

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Correct answer: B — Explain that DNACPR concerns CPR and not other active treatment

Explain that DNACPR concerns CPR and not other active treatment is the best answer because DNACPR decisions relate specifically to attempted CPR and should be explained separately from other appropriate treatments. Advise avoidance of sedatives and alcohol during recovery is plausible, but it is less appropriate for the physiology or timing described in this stem. The other distractors either fit a neighbouring presentation, delay definitive treatment, or miss the key immediate risk. Clinical pearl: Poor communication around DNACPR causes avoidable distress.

Reference: https://www.resus.org.uk/library/2021-resuscitation-guidelines#acute-medicine-order-61-1