Final answer:
The query pertains to legal documents like a living will or advance directive, which include patient's medical treatment preferences such as a Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) Order, and may appoint a health care proxy. These are influenced by personal values and are meant to guide healthcare decisions when the patient can no longer communicate.
Step-by-step explanation:
An expression of what the patient would have wanted based on previous knowledge of the patient's wishes often refers to documents like a living will or an advance directive. These are legal documents that specify the medical treatment a person wishes to receive, or not receive, in cases where they are no longer able to communicate their decisions. This can include a Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) Order, which instructs healthcare professionals not to perform CPR or advanced cardiac life support if the patient's breathing or heart stops.
A living will may also designate a health care proxy, someone trusted to make medical decisions on the person's behalf if they become incapacitated. The development of these documents is often influenced by personal factors such as religion, culture, and upbringing. It is a way for individuals to ensure their healthcare preferences are honored, preventing family members or medical staff from making decisions that go against their wishes.