A male client with AIDS develops cryptococcal meningitis. Which question best reflects patient autonomy in decisions about care?

A male client with AIDS develops cryptococcal meningitis. Which question best reflects patient autonomy in decisions about care?

• A. Post a sign about isolation
• B. Ask the client if this decision has been discussed with his healthcare provider
• C. Schedule a surgery
• D. Prescribe antibiotics

Answer: (B)

Patient autonomy means the patient has the right to participate in decisions about his care and to be informed about options, risks, and benefits. The best choice shows respect for that right by checking whether the patient has been included in decisions and informed about them by his healthcare provider. Asking if these decisions have been discussed with him demonstrates shared decision-making and consent. The other options don’t reflect the patient’s involvement in decision-making: posting a sign about isolation is an institutional action, while scheduling a surgery or prescribing antibiotics are clinical actions that should occur within informed-consent processes but don’t by themselves illustrate the patient’s active participation.

Patient autonomy means the patient has the right to participate in decisions about his care and to be informed about options, risks, and benefits. The best choice shows respect for that right by checking whether the patient has been included in decisions and informed about them by his healthcare provider. Asking if these decisions have been discussed with him demonstrates shared decision-making and consent.

The other options don’t reflect the patient’s involvement in decision-making: posting a sign about isolation is an institutional action, while scheduling a surgery or prescribing antibiotics are clinical actions that should occur within informed-consent processes but don’t by themselves illustrate the patient’s active participation.