Which document allows a patient to define in advance what his or her wishes are should he or she become incapacitated due to illness or severe injury?

• A. Advanced Directive
• B. Living Will
• C. Do Not Resuscitate
• D. Durable Power of Attorney

Answer: (A)

An Advanced Directive is a legal document that lets a patient spell out medical preferences for when they can’t communicate and appoint a surrogate to make decisions. It directly addresses incapacitation due to illness or severe injury by ensuring the patient’s wishes guide care. A living will is a form that specifies which treatments to accept or refuse, and a durable power of attorney for health care names who makes decisions if the patient is unable. The scenario described matches the purpose of an Advanced Directive because it covers both stating wishes in advance and designating someone to carry them out when incapacitated.