Advance directives for health care are often referred to as which?

• A. Living wills
• B. Power of attorney
• C. Do Not Resuscitate orders
• D. Consent forms

Answer: (A)

Advance directives are instructions that guide health care when you can’t speak for yourself. A living will is the term most people use to describe these directives, because it records your specific preferences about end-of-life treatments and other medical decisions you want or don’t want if you’re unable to communicate.

A living will typically addresses what kinds of life-sustaining treatments you would want or refuse, such as resuscitation, mechanical ventilation, or artificial nutrition and hydration. It’s a way to express your wishes ahead of time so loved ones and clinicians know what you would choose.

Other options illustrate related, but distinct concepts. A durable power of attorney for health care designates someone to make health decisions for you if you’re unable to, which is not the same as specifying your treatment preferences. Do Not Resuscitate orders are specific instructions about whether to perform CPR, not a broad plan for all future care. Consent forms are general permissions for procedures, not a comprehensive plan for future medical decisions.