Ethics in the OR: DNR and patient autonomy.

Suspending Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) orders during surgery may undermine a patient's right to self-determination. A Nursing Ethics Committee together with a Clinical Ethics Committee formulate guidelines to consider when suspending or maintaining a patient's DNR order while in the operating room. A patient's autonomy must be recognized as well as the professional responsibilities of surgeons, anesthesiologists and nurses.