Which of the following is a primary component of an advance directive?

An advance directive is a legal document that outlines a person's preferences regarding medical treatment in the event that they are unable to communicate their wishes. The primary component of an advance directive is instructions for medical treatment preferences, as this document serves to guide healthcare providers and family members in making medical decisions that align with the individual's wishes.

This includes specifying what types of medical interventions one wishes to receive or forgo, such as resuscitation, life support, or other critical care measures. By providing these instructions, the advance directive ensures that a person's autonomy and quality of life are respected even when they cannot express their desires directly.

The other options, while potentially related to aspects surrounding end-of-life planning or funeral services, do not comprise the core focus of what an advance directive is meant to achieve. A list of family members or a statement of financial responsibilities may be pertinent in other legal or planning documents, but they do not pertain to the primary function of directing medical care. Similarly, a description of a funeral home’s services relates more to funeral planning than to the directives concerning health care.