What differentiates an "advance directive" from a "living will"?

The correct response highlights the essential function of each document within the context of healthcare decision-making. Advance directives are comprehensive documents that encompass various healthcare preferences, covering a wide range of medical situations and treatment decisions that may occur if a person becomes unable to communicate their wishes. This includes not only end-of-life scenarios but also preferences regarding various interventions and types of care during serious illness.

Living wills, on the other hand, are a specific type of advance directive that explicitly outlines a person's wishes regarding end-of-life care. They are focused on particular decisions, such as the use of life-sustaining treatment, and often come into play when a person is facing terminal illness or conditions from which they are unlikely to recover.

By understanding this distinction, individuals can make informed decisions about their healthcare preferences and ensure that their wishes are respected in times when they cannot voice them.