Final answer:
A patient's wishes regarding mechanical ventilation are usually detailed in a Living Will, which may include a DNR Order and a Health Care Proxy, and in the Power of Attorney document for health care.
Step-by-step explanation:
Patients' wishes regarding mechanical ventilation can be outlined in various legal documents including a Power of Attorney, a Living Will, and an AMA form. However, a provider's prescription does not typically contain such preferences unless it specifically pertains to the patient's immediate treatment plans. A Living Will is a legal document that clearly specifies the medical interventions an individual desires, or does not desire, such as mechanical ventilation.
It may also encompass a Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) Order, which instructs medical personnel not to undertake life-saving measures like CPR or mechanical ventilation if the patient's heart stops or they stop breathing. A Health Care Proxy is often included within the Living Will, appointing someone to make medical decisions on the patient's behalf should they become incapacitated.