You have found your patient unresponsive in bed. The patient has a DNR order in place. You do not feel a carotid pulse. What should you do NEXT?

In the scenario where a patient with a Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) order is found unresponsive and lacks a carotid pulse, the appropriate next step is to call for the registered nurse. This action is crucial because the registered nurse has the authority and training to interpret the DNR order and to provide guidance on how to proceed, given the specific circumstances.

While the patient has a DNR in place, it indicates that in the event of cardiac arrest or respiratory failure, the patient has designated not to receive immediate resuscitation efforts like CPR. The role of the nurse at that moment is vital for ensuring that the care given aligns with the patient’s wishes and the legal implications of the DNR order.

Additionally, calling the registered nurse ensures that a professional assesses the situation comprehensively, which is important for patient safety and adherence to medical protocols. Once the registered nurse arrives, they will carry out further assessments and make decisions based on the patient's condition and the DNR directives.

The other options, while possibly important later, do not address the immediate need to ensure that the situation is handled correctly according to the DNR directive. Starting CPR would violate the DNR order, and documenting the situation and notifying family members would generally occur after ensuring