What is something you would NOT perform if a patient has a "do not resuscitate" order?

When a patient has a "do not resuscitate" (DNR) order, this directive specifically indicates that resuscitative efforts, such as cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), should not be performed in the event of cardiac arrest or respiratory failure. The primary purpose of a DNR order is to respect the patient's wishes regarding their end-of-life care, preventing the initiation of aggressive life-saving measures that the patient has opted to forgo.

While pain relief, assessment of vital signs, and administration of oxygen are essential components of patient care and comfort, these actions do not conflict with the DNR order. It's crucial to maintain the patient's quality of life and provide supportive care even when resuscitation is not an option. Thus, performing CPR would be against the directives of the DNR order, making it the activity you would not perform.