An advanced directive is primarily designed for what purpose?

An advanced directive is fundamentally designed to guide healthcare decisions when a patient is unable to communicate their preferences or make decisions regarding their care. This legal document lays out the patient’s wishes regarding medical treatment in scenarios where they may be incapacitated, such as in a coma or severe cognitive impairment.

The other options are not the primary focus of an advanced directive. While documenting medication preferences could be part of an advanced directive, it is not its main purpose. Similarly, providing consent for medical procedures typically requires direct communication from the patient or authorized representative, which is outside the scope of what an advanced directive accomplishes. Lastly, while some financial considerations related to healthcare might be discussed in a more comprehensive estate plan or financial directive, they are not the essence of what an advanced directive is intended to address.