Which principle underpins the nurse's obligation to inform patients about all viable treatment options?

Which principle underpins the nurse's obligation to inform patients about all viable treatment options?

• A. Beneficence
• B. Nonmaleficence
• C. Justice
• D. Respect for autonomy

Answer: (D)

Respect for autonomy means honoring a patient’s right to make their own health care decisions. To support that right, nurses inform patients about all viable treatment options, including potential benefits, risks, and alternatives, so the patient can weigh choices in line with their values and preferences. This open disclosure is a cornerstone of informed consent and shared decision making. Beneficence aims to do good, but it doesn’t by itself ensure the patient has the information needed to decide freely. Nonmaleficence focuses on avoiding harm, and justice on fairness and access; neither directly drives the obligation to present all viable options for patient choice in the same way autonomy does.

Respect for autonomy means honoring a patient’s right to make their own health care decisions. To support that right, nurses inform patients about all viable treatment options, including potential benefits, risks, and alternatives, so the patient can weigh choices in line with their values and preferences. This open disclosure is a cornerstone of informed consent and shared decision making. Beneficence aims to do good, but it doesn’t by itself ensure the patient has the information needed to decide freely. Nonmaleficence focuses on avoiding harm, and justice on fairness and access; neither directly drives the obligation to present all viable options for patient choice in the same way autonomy does.