Simple answer is at the moment none of his organs need replacing- or rather theyre broken in a way a transplant wont fix. An organ isnt like a broken gear, the whole system needs to work for the organ to work.And nobody is taking him off life support prematurely due to a DNAR. Its simply stating if his heart stopped beating that would be the end of treatment. irrespective of age, if he reaches that point he isnt surviving in his current condition.As previously mentioned, if he continues to make progress forwards then theyll tear up the DNAR anyway, but at the moment your BIL is not somebody I would expect to survive chest compressions- it would be another organ not working, without the ability to support it or replace it to ensure survival.
Absolutely this. DNR is NOT the same thing as comfort care or withdrawing life sustaining treatments. Them asking about a DNR in this case probably means they think he is unlikely to survive or have a good outcome from CPR. But its important for everyone to consider what they would want done if they were to have a catastrophic health event, regardless of their current health.Okay but studies have shown that a DNR can result in lower quality of care, and typically do. In the BIL's case, although he is critical, he is responsive, and has only been in the hospital for a week. He has made significant recoveries like oxygen levels being reduced and other blood work levels being stabilized to healthy amounts.We are being told both organs have capacity to recover or with the kidney some function. They aren't necrotic. Couldn't he still qualify from a family member match willing to donate? Doctors have not moved towards that idea either.I guess my question is- how does a doctor stack the odds like that? Yes, on paper he has three machines doing organ functions. But is there not potential for recovery? If the oxygen intubation progresses with therapy, he could also remove feeding tube. There is also potential for getting pancreatitis managed, and kidney support with regular dialysis treatments or donation.Does a doctor weigh statistics or is it just judgement? And what helps them make that judgement? Because I feel like someone with the potential to recover, who is pretty young, would not be a candidate for a DNR.Now if there was a clearer document that outlined CPR in a worst case scenario then yes I see that. But signing a generic DNR with chances of recovery and treatment options seems very pessimistic. Especially given that BIL has a condition that can cause asphyxia and there have been cases where DNRs do result in vent being removed.