A dentist recommends extraction for a periapical lesion, but the patient refuses. This is a conflict between which two ethical principles?

Correct answer: A. Autonomy and beneficence

• A. Correct. The patient's right to decide (autonomy) is in tension with the clinician's duty to act in the patient's best interest (beneficence).
• B. Incorrect. Justice (fair distribution) and veracity (truth-telling) are not the principles at odds here.
• C. Incorrect. Nonmaleficence and justice do not capture a patient declining a recommended treatment.
• D. Incorrect. Veracity and fidelity concern honesty and keeping commitments, not refusal of care.