A patient has the right to refuse medical treatment.

• A. True
• B. False
• C. Only if married
• D. Only if over 65

Answer: (A)

Autonomy drives this idea: competent patients have the right to accept or decline medical interventions based on their own values and beliefs. For a refusal to be valid, the patient must have decision-making capacity and be fully informed about what the treatment involves, the risks of refusing, and available alternatives. If the patient chooses to refuse, that decision must be respected, and healthcare providers should document it, discuss possible consequences, and ensure there isn’t coercion or misunderstanding. If the patient lacks capacity, decisions may be made by a legally authorized representative or according to an advance directive. In emergencies where immediate treatment is necessary to prevent serious harm and no surrogate is available, treatment may proceed to protect the patient.