Which of the following actions undermines patient autonomy?

• A. Providing complete information.
• B. Respecting a patient’s decision even if it differs from medical advice.
• C. Withholding information to avoid distress.
• D. Encouraging questions.

Answer: (C)

Autonomy in patient care means the patient has the right to make informed decisions about their own treatment. Withholding information to avoid distress prevents the patient from understanding options, risks, and benefits, so they cannot give truly informed consent or freely choose among alternatives. Even when the information is difficult, providing it respectfully and clearly allows the patient to weigh what matters to them and to decide in line with their values. Providing complete information, respecting a patient’s decision even if it differs from medical advice, and encouraging questions all support autonomy by enabling genuine self-determination. The action of withholding information undermines autonomy because it takes away the patient’s agency in deciding their care.