I was hospitalized recently in an intensive care unit. I agreed to the course of care which included hazardous tests and the pain killers hydromorphone and Fentanyl. Patients can also refuse such care. I did not refuse that care and I did not sign a DNR.
I also didn’t sign a DNR for a relative until the VA staff called to say he was dying. The VA staff had already started administering morphine and then hydromorphone which let him die without pain.
Was he actually in pain?
I notice that a person going in and out of consciousness who is repositioning in bed is now considered IN PAIN and bombed with drugs that slow down breathing and keep them unconscious.