Which statement describes clients' rights in health care decisions?

• A. Clients are entitled to make decisions about their health care.
• B. Clients must follow the provider's decisions without question.
• C. Clients have no right to information about their care.
• D. Doctors decide every treatment without patient input.

Answer: (A)

Patient autonomy in health care decisions means that patients have the right to participate in and control their own care. The statement that clients are entitled to make decisions about their health care captures this principle. In practice, this involves receiving clear information about options, risks, benefits, and alternatives, and then choosing what aligns with their values and preferences. They can consent to or refuse treatments, request a second opinion, and, when capable, make decisions without coercion. Clinicians guide and advise based on expertise, but the final choice rests with the patient.

The other ideas violate this principle by suggesting patients should follow decisions without question, have no right to information, or have doctors decide without patient input. That would undermine informed consent and the ethical commitment to respect patient autonomy.