I saw doctors overturn patients DNR’s when the family asked (when the patient was not able to speak for themselves) because they were afraid to get sued. I’ve participated in the intubation, insertion of multiple invasive lines and tubes in people with severe heart disease, diabetes, multiple amputations and strokes confined to a nursing home in their 90’s for god sakes because the family “wanted everything done.”
Sad.
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If the family wants it done, and they have legal standing to request it, that’s their prerogative. If a doctor violates a DNR, that’s his problem. But how many doctors have actually been sued for ignoring a DNR? Sounds like typical physician inability to assess risk.
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