DNR / DNI
Formal Definition
DNR = Do Not Resuscitate (no CPR/chest compressions if heart stops). DNI = Do Not Intubate (no mechanical ventilation). They are separate orders.
How It's Used on the Ward
"She's DNR" — no CPR. "He's DNR/DNI" — no CPR and no intubation.
Example
""Family meeting: the patient has advanced dementia and metastatic cancer. She's already DNR. After discussion, the family agrees to DNI as well — the patient would not want to be on a ventilator.""
Clinical Context
DNR does not automatically mean DNI — they must be ordered separately. "Comfort care" is a more specific designation meaning the focus shifts entirely to symptom relief, often with a shift to hospice.
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