What action should be taken if a DNRO is not found but the patient's wishes are known?

In situations where a Do Not Resuscitate Order (DNRO) cannot be located, but the patient's wishes are known, it is essential to honor those known wishes. This approach respects the autonomy of the patient and aligns with ethical medical practices that prioritize the individual's right to make informed decisions about their own healthcare.

Honoring the patient's known wishes means that if they have previously communicated a desire not to undergo resuscitation efforts in a specific context, those wishes should be upheld, even in the absence of formal documentation. This not only reflects the patient's values and preferences but also upholds the principle of patient-centered care, ensuring that medical interventions align with what the patient would have wanted in that situation.

Proceeding with full resuscitation efforts would contradict the patient's expressed desires, while consulting the family may lead to uncertainty, especially if the family members are not fully aware of the patient's preferences. Documenting the absence and continuing treatment without honoring the known wishes would further disregard the patient's right to make decisions about their own medical care.