Which of the following statements is TRUE regarding CPAP for patients with DNR/POLST?

Prepare for the Santa Clara Protocol Exam with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each with hints and explanations. Ready yourself for success!

The statement that CPAP is indicated for comfort care is true because Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) can be used in patients with a Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) order or a Physician Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment (POLST) as a means of providing symptom relief rather than as a curative measure. In palliative care settings, the priority is to maintain comfort, and CPAP can alleviate respiratory distress, thereby improving the patient's quality of life.

Patients who have DNR or POLST orders typically do not wish for aggressive life-sustaining treatments or resuscitation efforts, but they can still benefit from supportive therapies such as CPAP, which can help manage symptoms like dyspnea without violating their wishes regarding more invasive procedures.

Other statements suggest blanket prohibitions or age restrictions on CPAP usage, which do not align with the nuanced application of comfort care in DNR and POLST situations. Such statements overlook the medical ethics and the individualized approach necessary when caring for patients with advanced directives.

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