Current opinion in anaesthesiology
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There are significant misunderstandings about the management of perioperative do-not-resuscitate orders. This paper reviews some of the difficulties generated by the halting acceptance and inconsistent implementation of an ethically appropriate perioperative do-not-resuscitate policy that mandates reconsideration of existing do-not-resuscitate orders. It also offers strategies for empowerment of such a policy. ⋯ A well written perioperative do-not-resuscitate policy is essential for surmounting obstacles to a well functioning perioperative do-not-resuscitate system.