Which principle states that clients have the right to make their own decisions?

• A. Confidentiality
• B. Autonomy
• C. Beneficence
• D. Justice

Answer: (B)

The main idea being tested is respecting a client’s right to govern their own medical decisions. Autonomy means that patients have the authority to decide what happens to their body and which treatments to accept or refuse, provided they have the capacity and are given clear, understandable information to make an informed choice. In practice, honoring autonomy involves presenting all relevant options, ensuring understanding, and obtaining voluntary consent without pressure, then supporting the patient’s chosen course of action.

This is why autonomy is the best answer: it directly addresses who holds the decision-making power in care. The other principles describe important duties but don’t capture the decision-right itself—confidentiality is about protecting private information, beneficence about acting in the patient’s best interests, and justice about fairness and equitable access.