Final answer:
An advance directive includes various legal documents such as a living will, health care proxy, and DNR, which are all related to end-of-life decisions. It expresses a patient's preferences for medical procedures should they become incapable of making their own decisions.
Step-by-step explanation:
An advance directive is a legal term encompassing various documents such as a living will, health care proxy, and do not resuscitate (DNR) order. These documents are written instructions that specify what actions should be taken for a person's health if they are no longer able to make decisions due to illness or incapacity. A living will outlines desired medical care, while a health care proxy appoints someone to make decisions on the patient's behalf. A DNR order indicates that in the event of cardiac or respiratory arrest, medical personnel are not to perform CPR.
Hospice care is another component associated with advance directives, as it focuses on comfort and quality of life rather than curative treatment. The approach to end-of-life care is influenced by various factors, including personal values, culture, and religion. Legislation like the Death with Dignity Act acknowledges these decisions, allowing some measure of control over one's end-of-life care.