Which ethical principle respects patient choice?

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

Answer: (B)

Respecting patient choice is about autonomy, the principle that individuals have the right to make informed decisions about their own care. Autonomy means patients receive clear, complete information, understand their options, and choose voluntarily without coercion, with their preferences guiding the care plan. It also involves respecting those decisions even if they differ from what a clinician might prefer, as long as the patient has decision-making capacity. This is distinct from veracity (truth-telling), confidentiality (privacy of information), and beneficence (doing what’s good for the patient). When autonomy is upheld, informed consent reflects the patient’s own values and choices.