What ethical conflict arises when a patient wishes to be discharged against medical advice?

In the situation where a patient wishes to be discharged against medical advice, the ethical conflict primarily involves autonomy and beneficence. Autonomy refers to the patient's right to make informed decisions about their own healthcare, which includes the choice to leave the hospital even if it goes against medical advice. This principle respects the individual's freedom and agency in making choices regarding their treatment.

Beneficence, on the other hand, is the ethical principle that emphasizes the healthcare provider’s duty to act in the best interest of the patient, promoting their well-being and ensuring they receive appropriate care. When a patient chooses to discharge themselves, the healthcare provider may feel conflicted because they believe continuing treatment is necessary for the patient’s health and safety.

This dynamic creates a tension between respecting the patient’s autonomy—honoring their choice to decline further medical intervention—and the obligation to practice beneficence, which could involve persuading the patient to stay for their own good. Thus, the correct answer rightly identifies the ethical conflict that arises from balancing these two principles.