What does having an out-of-hospital do not resuscitate order imply for a patient?

Having an out-of-hospital do not resuscitate (DNR) order indicates that a patient has expressed their wishes to not receive cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) or other life-saving measures in the event of a cardiac arrest or respiratory failure, outside of a hospital setting. This choice emphasizes the autonomy of the patient, which is a critical aspect of patient-centered care. Patients retain the right to change their treatment preferences, including revoking a DNR order, at any time as long as they are mentally competent to make such decisions.

This approach supports the principle that the medical decisions should align with the patient's values and preferences, enhancing their control over end-of-life care. Other options may imply restrictions or conditions on how a DNR can be revoked, which is not consistent with the established understanding of patient autonomy in healthcare decision-making.