What document should you review to understand a patient's wishes for resuscitation?

To understand a patient's wishes regarding resuscitation, reviewing a living will is essential. A living will is a legal document that outlines an individual's preferences for medical treatment in situations where they may be unable to communicate their decisions, particularly concerning life-sustaining treatments such as resuscitation. This document specifies what interventions the individual wishes or does not wish to receive in critical health situations, ensuring that their desired level of care is honored.

In contrast, a health care proxy primarily designates an individual to make medical decisions on behalf of the patient if they are incapacitated, but does not detail specific treatment preferences like a living will. A discharge summary summarizes a patient's hospital stay and treatment but does not address specific wishes regarding resuscitation. A medical history form collects a patient’s past health information and does not pertain to current treatment preferences or directives for care.