A living will is written to indicate_____
a.the way property should be divided among heirs
b.how to pass along important family stories
c.that no attempt should be made to revive the person if they stop breathing
d.what medical intervention should be used if the person is not conscious when a decision needs to be made
The correct answer and explanation is :
The correct answer is d. what medical intervention should be used if the person is not conscious when a decision needs to be made.
A living will is a legal document that outlines an individual’s wishes regarding medical treatment in situations where they are no longer able to communicate or make decisions for themselves. This typically occurs when the person is in a terminal state, suffering from a debilitating condition, or is in a persistent vegetative state (PVS) with little to no chance of recovery.
The primary purpose of a living will is to provide clarity on what kinds of medical interventions should be administered if the individual is unable to express their preferences due to incapacitation. This document can specify whether the person wants to receive life-sustaining treatments, such as mechanical ventilation or feeding tubes, or if they prefer to be kept comfortable and allowed to pass naturally without aggressive interventions.
A living will is particularly important because it helps alleviate the burden on family members and medical professionals during emotionally challenging times. Without a living will, family members may struggle with making decisions that they believe align with the individual’s wishes, leading to potential conflicts, guilt, or confusion. It also provides medical providers with legal guidance on how to proceed in situations where the patient’s wishes are unclear, ensuring that they do not take unnecessary or unwanted actions to prolong life when it may not be in the person’s best interest.
A living will is distinct from a last will and testament, which focuses on distributing property and assets after death (as mentioned in option a). It also differs from end-of-life planning documents that may include organ donation instructions or funeral arrangements. While a living will helps direct medical care decisions in life-threatening situations, it does not typically cover matters like passing along family stories or traditions.