In which situation would you NOT perform CPR?

Performing CPR is a critical intervention in emergencies, but certain circumstances dictate when it should not be initiated. A valid Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) order indicates that a patient has expressed their wishes not to receive resuscitation efforts in the event of cardiac arrest or respiratory failure. This legally binding document serves as an advance directive, highlighting the patient's autonomy in healthcare decisions.

In the presence of a DNR order, resuscitation efforts would violate the patient's rights and wishes, which is why this option is the correct choice. Recognizing and respecting a DNR is crucial for compliance with ethical guidelines and legal standards in medical practice.

Circumstances such as unresponsiveness, showing signs of life, or the age of the patient—regardless of being a child—are not reasons to withhold CPR. In fact, unresponsiveness typically warrants immediate resuscitation efforts unless there is a specific directive or evidence of the patient's advanced wishes against such measures. Similarly, if a patient is showing signs of life, CPR is not needed, as they demonstrate the ability to function independently. Age does not automatically govern the necessity for CPR; it is the patient's condition and pre-existing directives that guide the decision.