Certified Medical Assistant (CMA AAMA)Communication and Legal/EthicalMedium
A patient, who is a competent adult, refuses a recommended flu vaccination. The medical assistant explains the benefits and potential risks of not receiving the vaccine. Which of the following ethical principles is the medical assistant upholding by respecting the patient's decision?
- AJustice
- BNonmaleficence
- CAutonomy
- DBeneficence
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: C. Autonomy
Autonomy is the ethical principle that respects an individual's right to make their own decisions about their healthcare, provided they are competent to do so. The medical assistant upheld this by informing the patient and respecting their refusal.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Justice refers to fair distribution of healthcare resources and equal treatment, which is not the core principle in this scenario.
- B. Nonmaleficence is the duty to 'do no harm,' which is a foundational principle but not the primary one at play when respecting a refusal.
- D. Beneficence is acting in the best interest of the patient, but it does not override a competent patient's right to refuse care.
Patient Autonomy
The right of a competent individual to make informed decisions about their own medical care without coercion.
- Requires informed consent or refusal.
- Respects patient's self-determination.
- Foundation of patient-centered care.
Memory trick: Always Respect Choices, Do Good, Do No Harm, Be Fair.