Which statement best describes advance directives?

• A. They are only used in hospitals
• B. They specify treatment preferences in advance
• C. They guarantee healing
• D. They are legally void after death

Answer: (B)

Advance directives are documents that record a person's treatment preferences for times when they can't speak for themselves. They let individuals specify what kinds of medical interventions they want or do not want (such as resuscitation, intubation, life-sustaining treatment, or comfort-focused care) and may appoint a trusted surrogate to make decisions if they cannot. This preserves patient autonomy, guides clinicians, and helps families align care with the person’s values in complex or emergency situations. They are not about guaranteeing healing, and they are not limited to hospitals since they can be created in various settings. They apply while the person is alive; after death, medical decisions end, though organ donation or other post-death wishes may be covered by separate processes.