What legal document outlines a patient's treatment preferences?

The correct choice is the advance directive, which is a legal document that allows individuals to outline their healthcare preferences in advance, particularly in scenarios where they may be unable to communicate their wishes due to illness or incapacity. It serves the vital function of directing healthcare providers and family members regarding the individual's treatment choices, especially concerning life-prolonging measures, resuscitation, pain management, and other significant decisions.

While a living will is closely related and often considered part of an advance directive, it specifically details a person's wishes about medical treatment for terminal conditions or irreversible conditions. Therefore, while both documents are important, the advance directive encompasses a broader range of treatment preferences and may include a living will as one component.

An insurance policy does not detail treatment preferences; rather, it provides information about coverage for health services. Power of attorney grants another person authority to make decisions on behalf of someone else, which may include healthcare decisions, but it is not the document that outlines a patient's own treatment preferences.

Understanding advance directives is essential for nursing professionals, as they support patient autonomy and ensure that the healthcare team respects the individual’s wishes regarding their medical care.