Which term denotes a written statement of a person's wishes regarding medical treatment that may include a living will and power of attorney?

Which term denotes a written statement of a person's wishes regarding medical treatment that may include a living will and power of attorney?

• A. Access
• B. Palliative care
• C. Do-not-resuscitate order
• D. Advanced directive

Answer: (D)

The main idea is a written document that records a person’s wishes about medical treatment and may name someone to make decisions for them. This is an advanced directive. An advanced directive can include a living will, which states which treatments a person wants or does not want if they can’t communicate, and a durable power of attorney for health care, which designates a specific person to make medical decisions on the person’s behalf. Together, these elements protect patient autonomy and guide clinicians when the patient can’t speak for themselves. A do-not-resuscitate order is only a specific instruction about whether to perform CPR, not the broader term. Palliative care focuses on comfort and quality of life rather than being a legal document, and access refers to the ability to obtain care rather than to a stated treatment plan.

The main idea is a written document that records a person’s wishes about medical treatment and may name someone to make decisions for them. This is an advanced directive. An advanced directive can include a living will, which states which treatments a person wants or does not want if they can’t communicate, and a durable power of attorney for health care, which designates a specific person to make medical decisions on the person’s behalf. Together, these elements protect patient autonomy and guide clinicians when the patient can’t speak for themselves. A do-not-resuscitate order is only a specific instruction about whether to perform CPR, not the broader term. Palliative care focuses on comfort and quality of life rather than being a legal document, and access refers to the ability to obtain care rather than to a stated treatment plan.