An ethical consideration with older surgical patients centers on the dilemma of do not resuscitate (DNR)orders.When considering the decision to maintain or suspend DNR orders prior to surgery,the guiding principle should be to:

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The organization's policy must give the patient a voice in the intraoperative area.Even though the patient may have made end-of-life decisions,the fact that the patient has signed the surgical informed consent implies that he or she seeks to improve quality of life,which is incompatible with withholding cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).The guiding principle in the decision to maintain or suspend DNR orders should be respect for the patient's autonomy.Elderly patients have the right to participate in the process for making end-of-life decisions.

An Ethical Consideration with Older Surgical Patients Centers on the Dilemma