A resident has a signed POLST indicating Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) and 'comfort measures only.' The resident becomes unresponsive with no pulse. The CNA should:
Explanation
Under the Patient Self-Determination Act and 42 CFR §483.10(c)(6), residents may direct refusal of life-sustaining treatment through advance directives and California POLST. A valid POLST is a portable physician order that staff must honor; CPR is not initiated when DNR is specified. The CNA notifies the nurse so death can be pronounced and the family/physician notified. Starting CPR (c) violates the directive; delay (d) and repositioning a pulseless person (a) are inappropriate.
Law Reference: 42 CFR §483.10(c)(6); Patient Self-Determination Act 42 USC §1395cc(f)This topic, taught in full in the Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) guide. CNA — Complete Study Guide (2026) — PDF + EPUB, $19.99 · 14-day refund →
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