Same case. If the patient does not wish to undergo a biopsy, which ethical principle is being respected?

Correct answer: A. Patient autonomy

• A. Correct. Honoring the patient's informed refusal respects autonomy — the patient's right to make decisions about his own care.
• B. Beneficence is acting in the patient's best interest; respecting a refusal isn't primarily about beneficence.
• C. Non-maleficence is avoiding harm; it isn't the principle defined by accepting a refusal.
• D. Justice concerns fair distribution of care/resources, not individual consent.