Which document records medical care preferences if you cannot communicate?

• A. Will
• B. Power of attorney
• C. Advanced medical directive
• D. Trust

Answer: (C)

An advanced medical directive is a written plan that records your medical care preferences for times when you can't communicate. It lets you specify which treatments you do or don’t want—such as resuscitation, life-support, or intensive interventions—and can name a trusted person to make health decisions for you if you lack capacity. This focuses specifically on health care decisions and your wishes, so doctors and family know how you want to be treated when you’re unable to speak for yourself.

This differs from a will, which handles what happens to your property after you die, and from a trust, which governs how assets are managed. A power of attorney (for health care) designates someone to make decisions for you, but it doesn’t by itself record your treatment preferences; rather, it appoints the person who will make those decisions if you can’t. The advance directive combines both the record of your preferences and, often, the appointment of a decision-maker, ensuring your wishes guide care when you’re unable to communicate.