Which term describes a decision-making approach in which providers decide what is best for a patient who cannot participate in decisions, often criticized as paternalism?

Which term describes a decision-making approach in which providers decide what is best for a patient who cannot participate in decisions, often criticized as paternalism?

• A. Paternalism
• B. Beneficence
• C. Nonmaleficence
• D. Justice

Answer: (A)

Paternalism describes a decision-making approach where clinicians decide what’s best for a patient who cannot participate in decisions themselves. This reflects the belief that the provider knows what’s best and acts on that belief, potentially overriding the patient’s preferences or values. It’s often criticized because it limits patient autonomy and may not align with the patient’s wishes or rights, even when the intent is to help. Beneficence means doing good for the patient, focusing on promoting welfare, but it doesn’t specify who makes the decision. Nonmaleficence is the obligation to do no harm, and justice concerns fairness and fairness in resources and treatment. In modern practice, shared decision-making and informed consent are prioritized to respect autonomy, with paternalistic decisions reserved for situations where the patient lacks capacity or in urgent emergencies.

Paternalism describes a decision-making approach where clinicians decide what’s best for a patient who cannot participate in decisions themselves. This reflects the belief that the provider knows what’s best and acts on that belief, potentially overriding the patient’s preferences or values. It’s often criticized because it limits patient autonomy and may not align with the patient’s wishes or rights, even when the intent is to help.

Beneficence means doing good for the patient, focusing on promoting welfare, but it doesn’t specify who makes the decision. Nonmaleficence is the obligation to do no harm, and justice concerns fairness and fairness in resources and treatment. In modern practice, shared decision-making and informed consent are prioritized to respect autonomy, with paternalistic decisions reserved for situations where the patient lacks capacity or in urgent emergencies.