Bachelor of Health Science (BHS) Degree Practice Exam 2025 – All-in-One Study Guide for Exam Success!

The correct answer is rooted in the concept of Patient Autonomy, which emphasizes the right of individuals to make decisions about their own healthcare and medical treatment. This principle acknowledges that patients have the authority to accept or refuse medical interventions, including examinations, based on their personal values, beliefs, and preferences.

When the woman chooses to refuse an examination by medical students, she is actively exercising her autonomy, asserting her right to control her body and healthcare choices. This principle is fundamental in healthcare, ensuring that patients are empowered to make informed decisions about their treatment, respecting their desires and boundaries.

In contrast, while informed consent is related to acknowledging understanding before receiving treatment, it does not solely focus on the right to refuse. Beneficence and non-maleficence pertain to the obligations of healthcare providers to promote patient well-being and avoid harm, respectively, but they do not encapsulate the patient's right to refuse procedures. Thus, the exercise of her decision represents a clear manifestation of patient autonomy.