Final answer:
An advance directive is a legal document outlining a person's wishes for medical care if they become incapacitated, including aspects like living wills and health care proxies.
Step-by-step explanation:
The general term for instructions written in advance that serve as a legal document describing what should be done regarding medical decisions and care for the patient is an advance directive. This can take the form of a living will, which details specific medical interventions a person desires or does not desire, such as a Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) order. It can also include a health care proxy, which appoints someone to make medical decisions on the person's behalf if they are unable to communicate their wishes. Proactive decisions about end-of-life care, including advance directives and DNR orders, reflect a person's values, which may be influenced by their culture, religion, and personal experiences.