What does a living will express?

A living will is a specific type of advance directive that articulates a person's preferences regarding medical treatment in situations where they are unable to communicate their wishes, particularly at the end of life. This legal document conveys instructions for healthcare providers about the types of medical interventions the individual does or does not want, such as resuscitation efforts, use of ventilators, or other life-sustaining measures.

In contrast, wishes regarding inheritance pertain to a person's estate distribution after death and do not fall under the umbrella of healthcare directives. Preferences for funeral arrangements likewise focus on posthumous wishes rather than medical treatment during life. A designated power of attorney involves appointing someone to make decisions on one’s behalf but does not specifically outline medical preferences. Therefore, the correct answer highlights the primary purpose of a living will in guiding healthcare decisions when an individual cannot express their wishes directly.