A patient refuses a simple procedure that you believe is in the patien

QUESTION

A patient refuses a simple procedure that you believe is in the patient’s best interest. The two ethical principles that are directly in conflict in such a situation are:

a. Fidelity and justice.
b. Veracity and fidelity.
c. Autonomy and beneficence.
d. Paternalism and respect for others.

ANSWER:

ANS: C
Autonomy refers to the freedom to make a choice (e.g., refuse a procedure), and beneficence to doing good (performing a procedure that will benefit the patient).