What is the purpose of the advance directive?

The purpose of the advance directive is to guide medical decisions when a person cannot communicate. This legal document allows individuals to express their preferences regarding medical treatment and end-of-life care in advance. In situations where a person becomes incapacitated and unable to communicate their wishes, such as in a severe illness or injury, the advance directive serves as a crucial tool for healthcare providers and family members to understand what medical interventions the person would or would not want.

Advance directives often include instructions about life-sustaining treatment, organ donation, and other healthcare decisions that reflect the individual's values and preferences. By having this document in place, it reduces ambiguity and helps ensure that the individual's wishes are honored, promoting autonomy and clarity in critical situations.

The other options do not accurately represent the function of an advance directive. Providing entertainment, outlining daily care routines, or assessing a team's performance does not relate to the core purpose of guiding healthcare decisions in the event that an individual is unable to communicate their preferences.