Which statement best describes advanced directives?

• A. A signed, dated, and witnessed document that appoints someone else to make medical decisions for a person if they cannot do so
• B. A document that states the medical care a person wants, or does not want, in case they become unable to make those decisions themselves
• C. Legal documents that allow people to choose what medical care they wish to have if they cannot make those decisions themselves
• D. An order that tells medical professionals not to perform CPR

Answer: (D)

Advanced directives are plans for medical care made in advance so that a person’s preferences are respected when they can’t communicate. The best description is a document that states what medical care a person wants or does not want in a situation where they cannot make decisions themselves. This can include a living will and designating someone to make decisions on their behalf (a health-care proxy). A Do Not Resuscitate order is a specific instruction about one aspect of care and may appear within an advance directive, but it does not define the whole concept. In home health, you’d ensure the directive is known, accessible, and honored, and you’d discuss wishes with the patient and family to guide the care plan.