When going to the hospital, which form should patients bring to address end-of-life ethical or legal issues?

• A. Do not resuscitate (DNR)
• B. Advance directives
• C. Organ donor card
• D. Euthanasia

Answer: (B)

The main concept is ensuring patient autonomy through documented end-of-life care preferences. Bringing an advance directive provides a legal, written record of what treatments a patient wants or does not want, and it can appoint a surrogate decision-maker to speak for them if they’re unable. This covers a broad range of decisions beyond just one specific instruction, guiding clinicians and families to honor the patient’s values and wishes across different scenarios.

A do-not-resuscitate order is important, but it addresses only the question of resuscitation in a cardiac or respiratory arrest and may not convey preferences about other therapies. An organ donor card focuses solely on organ donation and doesn’t guide overall medical decisions. Euthanasia relates to a specific end-of-life option that is not legally available everywhere and is not a general form to document comprehensive care preferences.