If it stops, it stopped: Ethical implications and conduct in the Do Not Resuscitate Order in Intensive Care Unit

Abstract

Objective: To map the production of knowledge and make considerations about the main updates and recommendations available in the literature for the management and conducts in front of a patient in Cardiopulmonary Arrest with a Do Not Resuscitate Order (NOR) in an Intensive Care Unit. Method: narrative literature review. The source of information consisted of relevant publications in the literature, carried out from June to July 2021, based on the narrative synthesis of evidence on the updates contained in the main guidelines and official recommendations published by bodies linked to the Brazilian and international health area .Results: the results pointed to the difficulty of doctors and health professionals in talking about the subject, however, it was found that they believe in the patient's autonomy as a fundamental factor in the decision process, as well as the participation of family members and staff multidisciplinary. Conclusion: the consent to implement the ONR must be a joint decision, in which the objective must always offer the best for the patient and their families, supporting such decision in ethical precepts. Respect for the dignity and autonomy of the patient is the main factor that must be considered in decision making, not only for the implementation of the ONR, but for any procedure that may be performed on the patient.