Final answer:
Advance directives are legal documents that allow individuals to state their medical treatment preferences if they become unable to make decisions. These documents include living wills, do not resuscitate (DNR) orders, and health care proxies.
Step-by-step explanation:
Advance directives are legal documents that allow individuals to state their medical treatment preferences if they become unable to make decisions. These documents include living wills, do not resuscitate (DNR) orders, and health care proxies. A living will outlines specific interventions a person desires or wishes to avoid, such as life-extending treatments in the case of a terminal illness. DNR orders instruct medical personnel not to revive or resuscitate a patient if their heart stops or they stop breathing. Finally, a health care proxy designates a specific person to make medical decisions on behalf of the individual if they cannot communicate or make decisions for themselves.