Which DNR applies in community settings?

• A. Do Not Resuscitate
• B. Hospital DNR
• C. Out-of-hospital DNR
• D. Partial DNR

Answer: (C)

In community or non-hospital settings, a directive needs to be portable and recognizable by first responders and non-hospital care providers. An out-of-hospital DNR is specifically designed for situations outside the hospital, so emergency medical services, home health workers, and nursing facilities can honor the patient’s wish to forgo resuscitation if cardiac or respiratory arrest occurs. A hospital DNR is intended for when the person is admitted and receiving care inside a hospital, not for community scenarios. Partial DNR isn’t a standard, widely recognized designation and can create confusion about what interventions should or shouldn’t be attempted. Therefore, the out-of-hospital DNR best fits community settings because it clearly communicates the patient’s wishes to those outside the hospital.