What is the primary purpose of an advanced healthcare directive?

The primary purpose of an advanced healthcare directive is to specify medical wishes in the event of incapacity. This legal document allows individuals to communicate their preferences regarding medical treatment and interventions when they are unable to do so themselves, such as in cases of severe illness or injury. It can include instructions on life-sustaining treatments, pain management options, and other healthcare decisions, ensuring that a person's values and wishes are respected by healthcare providers and family members at critical times.

Other options, while important in their own context, serve different purposes. For instance, outlining financial responsibilities after death relates more to estate planning documents like wills or trusts, rather than healthcare decisions. Designating a guardian for minor children focuses on child custody and welfare and does not pertain to health care. Similarly, distributing personal effects to beneficiaries refers to the logistics of managing an estate after someone's passing, rather than addressing medical care choices during life. Thus, option A is clearly the focus of an advanced healthcare directive.