DNR (Shameless)

In the context of the television series Shameless (US version), "DNR" is an abbreviation for "Do Not Resuscitate." It is a legally recognized medical order indicating that a person does not want to receive cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) if their heart stops beating or they stop breathing.

In the show, a DNR order becomes relevant during storylines involving characters facing serious health issues or end-of-life decisions. The presence of a DNR highlights themes of mortality, autonomy, and the complexities of familial relationships when dealing with medical crises. A character with a DNR order has made the advanced directive to refuse life-saving measures in specific medical circumstances, allowing for a natural death. The presence of a DNR often forces other characters to grapple with the consequences of that decision.