For a patient with a DNR order and comfort care, which action aligns with the plan?

• A. Initiate rapid resuscitation if signs worsen
• B. Seek to extend life with invasive therapy
• C. Provide comfort measures only
• D. Pursue aggressive diagnostic testing

Answer: (D)

When a patient has a DNR order and comfort care in place, the care plan shifts from prolonging life at all costs to relieving suffering and preserving comfort and dignity. Resuscitation and invasive, life-prolonging therapies do not align with this directive. Instead, the focus is on comfort measures—pain and symptom control (for example, analgesia for pain, medications to ease shortness of breath or anxiety), emotional and spiritual support, skin and oral care, positioning, and other interventions that keep the patient comfortable without pursuing aggressive treatments. Diagnostic tests or procedures that won’t change comfort or outcomes are typically avoided if they would add burden. In short, the action that fits this plan is providing comfort measures only, honoring the patient’s wishes and the directive to forgo aggressive life-prolonging measures.