Which concept is central to respecting a patient’s right to make their own decisions?

• A. Confidentiality
• B. Autonomy
• C. Beneficence
• D. Justice

Answer: (B)

Autonomy is the principle that recognizes the patient as the primary decision-maker about their own body and treatment. It involves sharing information in understandable terms, assessing that the patient has the capacity to decide, and supporting their choice without coercion—even when it differs from what healthcare providers prefer. Respecting autonomy means obtaining informed consent and honoring a patient’s decisions, including the right to refuse or accept treatment based on their values and preferences. If a patient demonstrates decision-making capacity, their choices should guide care, and limitations should be explained, not imposed.

Confidentiality protects private information about the patient. Beneficence focuses on acting in the patient’s best interests to promote good and prevent harm. Justice concerns fairness and equitable treatment in the distribution of care and resources. While these are important ethical principles in nursing, autonomy specifically centers the patient’s right to self-determination and to make their own informed choices.