Which ethical principle emphasizes respecting client autonomy and obtaining informed consent?

• A. Beneficence
• B. Fidelity
• C. Respect for autonomy and informed consent
• D. Justice

Answer: (C)

The main idea is that clients have the right to make their own decisions about their care, and they must be given clear information to do so. This means recognizing the client’s self-determination, explaining what treatment involves, the potential risks and benefits, and any alternatives, and obtaining voluntary, informed agreement. In practice, consent isn’t a one-time form but an ongoing process that respects the client’s capacity to decide and their freedom to accept or decline.

Beneficence, while important, focuses on acting in the client’s best interests rather than on ensuring the client has control over choices. Fidelity centers on being trustworthy and keeping commitments, and justice emphasizes fairness and equality; neither centers the decision-making authority and information-sharing that informed consent embodies.