Which document is a classic example of an advance directive?

• A. DNR
• B. Living will
• C. Power of attorney
• D. Healthcare proxy

Answer: (B)

An advance directive is a document that lets a person spell out their medical care preferences for a time when they can’t communicate or make decisions, and it may also name someone to make those decisions. The living will is the classic example because it directly states which treatments you do or don’t want in specific end-of-life situations, such as resuscitation, intubation, ventilation, or artificial nutrition and hydration. It provides clear instructions about future care without needing someone else to guess your wishes.

A Do Not Resuscitate order, while important, is a specific clinical directive about whether to perform CPR and doesn’t detail broader treatment choices. A durable power of attorney for health care or a healthcare proxy designates another person to make medical decisions on your behalf, which is related to advance directives but doesn’t itself specify the treatments you prefer. That’s why the living will best fits the classic example of an advance directive.