What is the difference between autonomy and beneficence in ethical principles?

• A. Autonomy respects patient self-determination; beneficence requires actions that benefit the patient.
• B. Autonomy means following physician orders; beneficence means patient decides.
• C. Autonomy is about confidentiality; beneficence is about privacy.
• D. Autonomy is about power; beneficence is about legal compliance.

Answer: (A)

Autonomy centers on the patient as a decision-maker with the right to choose or refuse care based on informed understanding. It requires that the patient’s preferences, values, and consent guide what happens next. Beneficence, on the other hand, is about the caregiver’s obligation to act in ways that promote the patient’s well-being and minimize harm, choosing interventions that are likely to benefit the patient.

In practice, autonomy protects the patient’s right to decide, even if that decision isn’t what the provider would choose. Beneficence guides the care team to do what will benefit the patient, which may push for certain treatments or actions when appropriate. Understanding both helps clinicians respect patient choices while striving to provide beneficial care.