A document that lists the medical treatment a person chooses to refuse if unable to make decisions is the:
A. Durable power of attorney
B. Informed consent
C. Living will
D. Advance directives
Correct Answer: D. Advance directives
An advance directive is a legal document that explains how the patient wants medical decisions about him to be made if he cannot make the decisions himself. An advance directive lets the health care team and loved ones know what kind of health care the patient wants, or who he wants to make decisions for him when he can’t. An advance directive can help the patient think ahead of time about what kind of care he wants. It may help guide loved ones and the health care team in making clear decisions about health care when the patient can’t do it himself.
Option A: A power of attorney (POA) authorizes someone else to handle certain matters, such as finances or health care, on the patient’s behalf. If a power of attorney is durable, it remains in effect if the patient becomes incapacitated, such as due to illness or an accident.
Option B: Informed consent is the process in which a health care provider educates a patient about the risks, benefits, and alternatives of a given procedure or intervention. The patient must be competent to make a voluntary decision about whether to undergo the procedure or intervention.
Option C: A living will, also called a directive to physicians or advance directive, is a document that lets people state their wishes for end-of-life medical care, in case they become unable to communicate their decisions. It has no power after death.