Which scenario indicates that no resuscitation should be attempted?

• A. Obvious signs of death, such as rigor mortis, decomposition, dependent lividity, or injuries incompatible with life.
• B. A patient who is unconscious but breathing spontaneously.
• C. A patient with a faint pulse but not breathing.
• D. A patient with a do-not-resuscitate order.

Answer: (A)

Recognizing irreversible death is the main idea here. When you see unmistakable signs like rigor mortis, decomposition, dependent lividity, or injuries incompatible with life, resuscitation would be futile. In such cases, the appropriate approach is to withhold CPR and focus on appropriate post-death actions rather than attempting lifesaving efforts that cannot succeed.

The other scenarios don’t meet that clear threshold. An unconscious person who is breathing still shows life signs and warrants monitoring and supportive care. A patient with a faint pulse but not breathing is in respiratory arrest and would receive ventilation and assessment rather than being declared dead. A do-not-resuscitate order is a directive about future care, not a definitive physical sign of death by itself, though it guides decisions if an arrest occurs.