Certified Medical Assistant (CMA AAMA)Communication and Legal/EthicalEasy
A medical assistant is preparing to perform a venipuncture on a patient. The patient explicitly states, 'I do not want you to take my blood.' Which of the following principles is the patient exercising?
- ABeneficence
- BJustice
- CNon-maleficence
- DAutonomy
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: D. Autonomy
Autonomy is the ethical principle that respects a patient's right to make their own decisions about their medical care, including the right to refuse treatment or procedures, even if those decisions may not align with medical advice.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Beneficence is the duty to do good for the patient.
- B. Justice refers to fairness in the distribution of healthcare resources.
- C. Non-maleficence is the duty to do no harm to the patient.
Patient Autonomy
The ethical principle that respects an individual's right to self-determination and to make informed decisions about their own medical care.
- Patients have the right to accept or refuse treatment.
- Requires informed consent.
- Applies to competent adults.
Memory trick: BANJ: Beneficence, Autonomy, Non-maleficence, Justice.