Which term describes the patient’s right to be informed about their care?

• A. Autonomy
• B. Fidelity
• C. Veracity
• D. Beneficence

Answer: (A)

Autonomy is the principle that patients have the right to make their own decisions about their care. Being informed is essential to exercising that right, because patients need clear information about their diagnosis, options, risks, benefits, and alternatives to decide what aligns with their values. Veracity supports this process by emphasizing truthful communication, but autonomy specifically captures the patient’s right to be informed and to choose. Fidelity and beneficence relate to keeping promises and promoting the patient’s well-being, respectively, but do not denote the explicit right to informed decision-making.