Final answer:
An advance directive is a legal document that specifies a patient's medical treatment preferences in case they cannot communicate. It ensures the patient's wishes are honored.
Step-by-step explanation:
An advance directive is a legal document that specifies the medical treatment preferences of a patient in the event that they are unable to communicate or make decisions for themselves. It is used to ensure that a patient's wishes regarding their medical care are honored. This can include decisions about life-sustaining treatments, resuscitation, and organ donation.
**Some examples of situations where an advance directive might be used include:**
- If a patient wishes to refuse certain medical treatments or procedures, such as blood transfusions or invasive surgeries
- If a patient wants to designate a specific person to make medical decisions on their behalf if they become incapacitated
Learn more about Advance directives