Which of the following conditions may indicate withholding resuscitation measures?

The presence of decapitation and rigor mortis are clear indicators that resuscitation measures should be withheld. Decapitation is a traumatic injury that results in the complete separation of the head from the body, which is incompatible with life. Rigor mortis is the postmortem stiffening of the muscles that occurs after death, typically beginning within a few hours and fully setting in within approximately 12 hours. If rigor mortis is noted, it indicates that the person has been deceased long enough for the body to undergo this change, further confirming that resuscitation efforts would be futile.

In contrast, severe chest pain, cervical spine injury, and respiratory distress could indicate acute medical emergencies where resuscitative efforts may still be appropriate, as they may be reversible conditions. These scenarios often require immediate medical intervention rather than a determination to withhold care. Hence, the specific combination of decapitation and the presence of rigor mortis provides a definitive medical basis for not proceeding with resuscitation efforts.