What differentiates an "advance directive" from a "living will"?

What differentiates an "advance directive" from a "living will"?

• A. Living wills are national documents; advance directives are state documents
• B. Advance directives outline healthcare preferences; living wills detail end-of-life care wishes
• C. Living wills are only applicable in hospitals; advance directives are for at-home care
• D. There is no difference; both terms refer to the same documents

Answer: (B)

The correct response highlights the essential function of each document within the context of healthcare decision-making. Advance directives are comprehensive documents that encompass various healthcare preferences, covering a wide range of medical situations and treatment decisions that may occur if a person becomes unable to communicate their wishes. This includes not only end-of-life scenarios but also preferences regarding various interventions and types of care during serious illness. Living wills, on the other hand, are a specific type of advance directive that explicitly outlines a person's wishes regarding end-of-life care. They are focused on particular decisions, such as the use of life-sustaining treatment, and often come into play when a person is facing terminal illness or conditions from which they are unlikely to recover. By understanding this distinction, individuals can make informed decisions about their healthcare preferences and ensure that their wishes are respected in times when they cannot voice them.

The correct response highlights the essential function of each document within the context of healthcare decision-making. Advance directives are comprehensive documents that encompass various healthcare preferences, covering a wide range of medical situations and treatment decisions that may occur if a person becomes unable to communicate their wishes. This includes not only end-of-life scenarios but also preferences regarding various interventions and types of care during serious illness.

Living wills, on the other hand, are a specific type of advance directive that explicitly outlines a person's wishes regarding end-of-life care. They are focused on particular decisions, such as the use of life-sustaining treatment, and often come into play when a person is facing terminal illness or conditions from which they are unlikely to recover.

By understanding this distinction, individuals can make informed decisions about their healthcare preferences and ensure that their wishes are respected in times when they cannot voice them.