Which statement best defines an advanced directive?

Which statement best defines an advanced directive?

• A. A written statement of a person’s wishes regarding medical treatment if they are unable to communicate.
• B. A plan for designating a medical decision-maker and documenting treatment preferences.
• C. A document that records financial power of attorney.
• D. A living will that records the person’s religious beliefs about end-of-life care.

Answer: (B)

Advanced directives are documents that guide medical care when you can’t speak for yourself. The best description is a plan that both designates a medical decision-maker (a surrogate) and records your treatment preferences. This combination ensures there is someone you trust who can make decisions on your behalf and that those decisions align with your wishes, even during incapacity. A statement of wishes alone captures preferences but doesn’t name a decision-maker, so it may not be enough to guide decisions when urgent choices arise. A document about financial power of attorney focuses on finances, not medical care. A living will addresses treatment preferences but isn’t primarily about appointing a decision-maker and shouldn’t be described as recording religious beliefs about end-of-life care.

Advanced directives are documents that guide medical care when you can’t speak for yourself. The best description is a plan that both designates a medical decision-maker (a surrogate) and records your treatment preferences. This combination ensures there is someone you trust who can make decisions on your behalf and that those decisions align with your wishes, even during incapacity.

A statement of wishes alone captures preferences but doesn’t name a decision-maker, so it may not be enough to guide decisions when urgent choices arise. A document about financial power of attorney focuses on finances, not medical care. A living will addresses treatment preferences but isn’t primarily about appointing a decision-maker and shouldn’t be described as recording religious beliefs about end-of-life care.