A patient who refuses a treatment demonstrates which ethical principle in nursing?

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

Answer: (A)

Respect for a patient's autonomy is shown when they freely choose whether to accept or refuse a treatment. Autonomy means individuals have the right to make their own health care decisions based on adequate information and their own values, as long as they have decision-making capacity and are not coerced. When a patient refuses, you honor that choice, ensure they understand the implications and alternatives, and document the decision. Beneficence and nonmaleficence aim to do good and avoid harm, but they do not override an competent patient’s right to decide. Justice concerns fairness in treatment and resource use, not the act of refusing care.