Understanding Advance Directives

A 68-year-old patient is admitted to the hospital with a diagnosis of advanced heart failure. Upon admission, the nurse reviews the patient's records and notices that an advance directive has been completed. It states that the patient does not want any life-sustaining treatments if they become incapacitated and unable to communicate their wishes. Such legal documents are important in guiding the care team's decisions. However, patients must be informed of their rights regarding these directives.

Fill in the blank: An advance directive is a legal document that allows a patient to express their wishes regarding medical treatment when they are unable to ______________.