Chem Code?

[DrB]

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I am a phlebotomist and I just watched a patient go through a Chem Code? I was wondering what this is? The ER nurse said it was like a partial DNR? It was sad to see the patient die because the life saving drugs could not be pumped through the body.

Thanks

 

[canjosh]

I am a phlebotomist and I just watched a patient go through a Chem Code? I was wondering what this is? The ER nurse said it was like a partial DNR? It was sad to see the patient die because the life saving drugs could not be pumped through the body.

Thanks

A chemical code is a partial DNR like the nurse said. The patient can have a DNR where they can 'opt-out' of certain procedures that would otherwise be performed. i.e. chest compressions, intubation, defibrillation, etc. Partial DNR's are not uncommon.

 

[DrB]

Whats the point of pushing life saving drugs when the heart won't pump them through the body? I can understand not wanting to do compressions... since the nurses tried to give this patient drugs they will be charged for it?