What are the ethical considerations regarding resuscitation?

The correct choice highlights the foundational ethical principles in resuscitation, particularly focusing on respect for patient autonomy. Patient autonomy involves acknowledging and honoring a patient’s right to make informed decisions about their own medical care, including whether or not to undergo resuscitation efforts. Advance directives are legal documents where individuals can express their wishes regarding medical treatment if they are unable to communicate their decisions in a medical emergency. Do-not-resuscitate (DNR) orders are specific types of advance directives that instruct medical personnel not to perform CPR or other resuscitative measures if the patient's heart or breathing stops.

Incorporating these ethical considerations ensures that healthcare professionals respect the values and preferences of patients, leading to more personalized and ethical care. This alignment with patient wishes is crucial in the often intense and high-stakes environment of resuscitation, where quick decision-making is essential.

Other options, while important in specific contexts, do not directly address the core ethical consideration of patient autonomy. Ensuring family members are present during resuscitation, while it can be comforting and may support the emotional needs of the family, is not an ethical principle directly tied to the rights and wishes of the patient. The emphasis on only using interventions with a positive prognosis can limit necessary care based