This nursing cheatsheet will help you learn about advance directives, which are crucial for patient advocacy in healthcare. An advance directive includes documents like a Living Will and Medical Power of Attorney (MPOA). A Living Will is a legal document that outlines the patient's wishes in situations where they cannot communicate, often including preferences on resuscitation and life-sustaining treatments. A Medical Power of Attorney, differing from a Durable Power of Attorney (DPOA), designates someone to make medical decisions on behalf of the patient when they are unable to do so. These directives are critical for all adults, regardless of their current health status, as they provide clear instructions for care in unforeseen circumstances, ensuring that the patient's wishes are respected even when they cannot voice them themselvesââ.
