What possible psychological effect could a "do not resuscitate" order have on the patient's family?

A "do not resuscitate" (DNR) order can evoke a range of emotional responses from a patient's family, and feelings of guilt or abandonment are particularly pertinent in this context. When a family is faced with such a decision, they may struggle with intense emotions, including the perception that they are not doing everything possible to save their loved one. This can lead to feelings of guilt, as they might wonder if they are somehow responsible for the decision to limit medical interventions. The emotional burden of feeling like they are allowing their loved one to pass can create a sense of abandonment, both for the individual who is sick and for themselves, as they come to terms with the finality of the situation.

In many cases, families are often caught between wanting to ensure their loved one's comfort and grappling with the grief associated with making such decisions. The psychological impact may include additional layers of complexity, especially if they feel they are betraying their loved one or not fulfilling their role as caregivers. This underscores the importance of providing appropriate support and counseling to the family during such challenging times to help them navigate their emotions and facilitate discussions about care preferences and wishes.