What is the purpose of advance directives and do-not-resuscitate decisions in geriatric risk management?

• A. To avoid conversations about end-of-life care.
• B. To reduce documentation.
• C. Respect patient autonomy and guide care preferences; ensure discussed early and revisited as needed.
• D. To limit patient choices and enforce physician preferences.

Answer: (C)

The purpose of advance directives and do-not-resuscitate decisions is to honor the patient’s autonomy by documenting their preferences for care if they can’t speak for themselves and by naming a surrogate decision-maker when needed. In geriatric risk management, the goal is to discuss these wishes early, document them clearly, and revisit them as health status or goals evolve, so that treatment choices align with the patient’s values and desired level of intervention. This helps guide clinicians and families during crises, avoiding unwanted, non-beneficial interventions and reducing uncertainty or moral distress. It’s about empowering patients to control their care, not about avoiding conversations, trimming paperwork, or constraining options.