What it means
A document written while the person is able to make decisions. A living will says which treatments the person does or does not want, such as CPR, breathing machines or tube feeding, if they are dying or permanently unconscious. A durable power of attorney for health care names a person (a health care proxy or agent) to make decisions for them. US law requires hospitals to ask adults at admission whether they have one and to give information about it.
For the nurse
Ask about an advance directive on admission, place a copy in the record and tell the provider. A client can change or cancel it at any time while able to decide. An advance directive is not itself an order: a do-not-resuscitate orderdoo-not-rih-SUS-ih-tayt OR-derA provider's order that CPR will not be started if the client's heart or breathing stops.Full entry still has to be written by a provider.
At a glance
| Spanish | directiva anticipada, voluntades anticipadas |
|---|---|
| Also written | advance directives |
Related terms
informed consent
A person's agreement to a treatment or procedure, given freely after the risks, benefits and other choices have been explained to them.
advocate
To speak up and act for a client's rights, safety and wishes; also, a person who does this.
autonomy
A person's right to make their own choices about their body and their care.
do-not-resuscitate order
A provider's order that CPR will not be started if the client's heart or breathing stops.