A nurse is caring for a client who has a do-not-resuscitate (DNR) prescription. The client experiences cardiac arrest, and another nurse starts CPR. Which of the following actions should the nurse caring for the client take?

Choice A reason: Continuing CPR until the provider arrives disregards the client’s DNR order. This violates the client’s autonomy and legal rights. Choice B reason: Notifying the ethics committee is not an immediate action. Ethics committees provide guidance in complex cases but are not involved in urgent bedside decisions. Choice C reason: Contacting the family to determine what they would like done is inappropriate. The client’s advance directive takes precedence over family wishes. Choice D reason: Stopping CPR and informing the nurse of the client’s advance directives is correct. A DNR order legally and ethically directs healthcare providers to withhold resuscitation. Respecting this ensures the client’s wishes are honored and prevents unnecessary interventions.