What is patient autonomy?

• A. The patient’s right to make informed decisions about their own care
• B. The physician's control over care
• C. The family's right to choose care
• D. The hospital's policy overrides patient

Answer: (A)

Patient autonomy is the principle that individuals have the right to control decisions about their own health care. In practice, this means patients receive clear information about options, risks, and benefits so they can make informed choices and give or withhold consent. Healthcare providers should respect and follow the patient’s decisions, even if they would choose differently. The other options describe scenarios where decisions are driven by the physician, the family, or hospital policy overriding the patient, which bypasses the patient’s control. For example, a patient who declines a recommended treatment is exercising autonomy.