Which term refers to independence and the freedom to choose?

• A. Autonomy
• B. Beneficence
• C. Morals
• D. Nursing ethics

Answer: (A)

Autonomy is the idea of independence and the freedom to choose. In nursing ethics, it means recognizing and honoring a patient’s right to make their own decisions about their care, as long as they have the capacity to do so and are offered clear, complete information to inform those decisions. This includes obtaining informed consent and supporting the patient’s values and preferences even when they differ from what the clinician would prefer.

Beneficence focuses on acting for the patient’s good or best interest, which is not the same as freedom to decide. Morals are a person’s own beliefs about right and wrong, which can influence decisions but do not define the patient’s right to choose. Nursing ethics is the broader framework that guides professional practice, whereas autonomy specifically centers on the patient’s independence and decision-making rights.