In the case of a DNR, which of the following is NOT considered a valid directive?

In the context of a Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) order, a healthcare surrogate's verbal agreement is not considered a valid directive. While healthcare surrogates can provide guidance and make decisions on behalf of a patient, their verbal agreement does not carry the same legal weight as documented directives such as a DNR form, a No Code/No CPR statement, or a POLST (Physician Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment) order.

A DNR form is an official document signed by a healthcare provider and the patient (or their authorized representative) that clearly states the decision against resuscitative measures in the event of cardiac arrest. Similarly, a No Code/No CPR statement serves as an explicit instruction that CPR should not be initiated. The POLST order is a more comprehensive document that addresses the patient's preferences regarding life-sustaining treatments, including resuscitation. These documents are formalized and recognized by medical personnel, ensuring that the patient's wishes are respected.

In contrast, a verbal agreement lacks the legal formality and documentation needed to ensure that medical personnel will act according to the patient's wishes during emergencies, leading to potential confusion or misinterpretation of the patient's intentions. Thus, it does not hold up as a valid directive in