ARRT Patient Care Practice Exam

Which ethical principle relates to the right of patients to make decisions about their treatment?

1. Autonomy

2. Beneficence

3. Fidelity

4. Veracity

The correct answer is: Autonomy

The ethical principle that is directly related to the right of patients to make decisions about their treatment is autonomy. Autonomy emphasizes the personal freedom of individuals to make choices regarding their own lives and health care. This principle values the patient's autonomy in making informed decisions, understanding their treatment options, and consenting to or refusing interventions based on their own values and beliefs. In a healthcare context, respecting a patient's autonomy includes providing them with all necessary information to make an informed decision, actively involving them in the treatment planning process, and honoring their wishes. This principle is foundational in promoting patient-centered care, as it acknowledges the intrinsic value of each patient's right to direct their own healthcare. Other principles such as beneficence, which focuses on acting in the best interest of the patient, fidelity, which pertains to keeping promises and maintaining trust in the healthcare provider-patient relationship, and veracity, which involves truthfulness in communication, are important but do not specifically address the patient's right to make decisions about their own treatment as directly as autonomy does.