Ethics & Law · single question
A dentist explains all available treatment options for an oral disease to the patient. Which ethical principle did the dentist follow?
Show answer and explanation
Correct answer: A. Autonomy
Autonomy (A) is the correct principle. Autonomy means respecting the patient's right to make informed decisions about their own healthcare. By informing the patient of ALL treatment options, the dentist enables the patient to make a voluntary, informed choice — this is the foundation of informed consent and patient autonomy.
• Beneficence (B): acting in the patient's best interest, doing 'good.' The dentist would be practicing beneficence by recommending the best treatment.
• Non-Maleficence (C): 'do no harm' — avoiding actions that cause unnecessary harm.
• Justice (D): fair distribution of healthcare resources and treating all patients equally.
• The key trigger word in the question is 'told all treatment options' — sharing information = enabling autonomous decision-making.
• Beneficence (B): acting in the patient's best interest, doing 'good.' The dentist would be practicing beneficence by recommending the best treatment.
• Non-Maleficence (C): 'do no harm' — avoiding actions that cause unnecessary harm.
• Justice (D): fair distribution of healthcare resources and treating all patients equally.
• The key trigger word in the question is 'told all treatment options' — sharing information = enabling autonomous decision-making.