What do advance directives provide for a patient?

Advance directives serve as critical documents for ensuring that patients' healthcare preferences are respected, even when they are unable to communicate those wishes themselves. They provide written instructions that outline the types of medical treatment a patient wishes to accept or refuse in scenarios where they may be incapacitated. This could include preferences regarding resuscitation efforts, the use of feeding tubes, and other life-sustaining measures.

By establishing these preferences in advance, patients can make their healthcare wishes known, thereby alleviating potential stress and confusion for family members and healthcare providers during critical moments. This ensures that care aligns with the patient's values and desires, making option B the most comprehensive and accurate description of what advance directives provide.