Which option is NOT one of the two main types of advance directives described?

Which option is NOT one of the two main types of advance directives described?

• A. Instructional directive
• B. Durable power of attorney
• C. Informed consent
• D. Health care proxy

Answer: (C)

Advance directives are documents that set out a person’s wishes for future medical care and, if needed, appoint someone to make decisions on their behalf. The two main forms describe a living will, which states preferences for future treatment, and a durable power of attorney for health care (often called a health care proxy), which designates a specific person to make decisions if you’re unable. Informed consent, on the other hand, is the process by which a patient is informed about a proposed treatment and voluntarily agrees to it for a current procedure. It governs decisions made now, not future care preferences or who should decide later. That’s why informed consent is not considered an advance directive.

Advance directives are documents that set out a person’s wishes for future medical care and, if needed, appoint someone to make decisions on their behalf. The two main forms describe a living will, which states preferences for future treatment, and a durable power of attorney for health care (often called a health care proxy), which designates a specific person to make decisions if you’re unable. Informed consent, on the other hand, is the process by which a patient is informed about a proposed treatment and voluntarily agrees to it for a current procedure. It governs decisions made now, not future care preferences or who should decide later. That’s why informed consent is not considered an advance directive.