Which document outlines treatment wishes if a terminal patient cannot communicate?

Which document outlines treatment wishes if a terminal patient cannot communicate?

• A. Power of Attorney
• B. Living Will
• C. Durable Medical Directives
• D. DNR

Answer: (B)

When someone can’t communicate because of a terminal condition, an advance directive that records treatment preferences is used. A living will specifically states what medical treatments you do or do not want in end-of-life situations, guiding care when you’re unable to speak for yourself. This makes it the best fit for outlining treatment wishes in that scenario. Other options don’t fit as neatly: a durable power of attorney for health care designates who will make decisions for you, but not your exact treatment preferences; a DNR is about whether to perform resuscitation and doesn’t cover broader treatment choices; and “durable medical directives” isn’t a standard term and can be ambiguous.

When someone can’t communicate because of a terminal condition, an advance directive that records treatment preferences is used. A living will specifically states what medical treatments you do or do not want in end-of-life situations, guiding care when you’re unable to speak for yourself. This makes it the best fit for outlining treatment wishes in that scenario.

Other options don’t fit as neatly: a durable power of attorney for health care designates who will make decisions for you, but not your exact treatment preferences; a DNR is about whether to perform resuscitation and doesn’t cover broader treatment choices; and “durable medical directives” isn’t a standard term and can be ambiguous.