What term refers to written instructions signed by the patient that state their wishes regarding treatment and resuscitation, including do-not-resuscitate orders and living wills?

• A. Advance directives
• B. Consent forms
• C. Living will
• D. Medical power of attorney

Answer: (A)

Advance directives are written, signed instructions that state a patient’s preferences for medical treatment and resuscitation if they can’t communicate. They cover decisions about life-sustaining care and can include do-not-resuscitate orders and living wills. A living will is a specific type of advance directive that describes which treatments you would or wouldn’t want at the end of life. Do-not-resuscitate orders can be part of an advance directive, depending on the situation and jurisdiction. An advance directive may also name a health care proxy (medical power of attorney) to make decisions when you’re unable to speak for yourself, guided by the directives you’ve laid out. These documents help clinicians and families honor your wishes and avoid unwanted treatments. Consent forms, by contrast, are about agreeing to a particular procedure and don’t express overall treatment preferences.