Which item is NOT a component of autonomy in nursing ethics?

• A. Self determination
• B. Informed consent
• C. Respect for patient preferences
• D. Beneficence

Answer: (D)

Autonomy in nursing ethics means recognizing and honoring a patient’s right to make their own decisions about their care. Self-determination is at the heart of this, as it captures the patient’s ability to choose what happens to their body and treatment. Informed consent supports autonomy by ensuring the patient has the necessary information and freedom to decide voluntarily. Respect for patient preferences is another expression of autonomy, meaning the care team honors the patient’s values and choices, even when they differ from the clinician’s own views.

Beneficence, while essential, is a separate ethical principle focused on acting in the patient’s best interest and promoting their well-being. It guides how care is delivered but does not define the patient’s right to decide or the process by which those decisions are made. So the item that is not a component of autonomy is beneficence.