DOA is commonly expanded to which phrase?

DOA is commonly expanded to which phrase?

• A. Diagnosis
• B. Dead on arrival
• C. Disease
• D. Dead on assessment

Answer: (B)

DOA stands for Dead on Arrival. In emergency and veterinary contexts, this shorthand communicates that the patient was already deceased when they arrived at the facility or was found dead before arrival. It helps the team quickly understand prognosis and directs whether aggressive resuscitation is appropriate. The other phrases don’t reflect the standard meaning of the acronym: it isn’t about a diagnosis, a disease, or a death occurring during assessment.

DOA stands for Dead on Arrival. In emergency and veterinary contexts, this shorthand communicates that the patient was already deceased when they arrived at the facility or was found dead before arrival. It helps the team quickly understand prognosis and directs whether aggressive resuscitation is appropriate. The other phrases don’t reflect the standard meaning of the acronym: it isn’t about a diagnosis, a disease, or a death occurring during assessment.