A 73-year-old patient with hypertension is awaiting a triple cardiac bypass surgery.The patient is hard of hearing and did not understand what the surgeon said regarding the surgery.The daughter is concerned that the patient does not understand the risks of the surgery.If not clarified,this would be a violation of what principle?

A) Autonomy
B) Justice
C) Fidelity
D) Nonmaleficence

Autonomy refers to a person's independence.As a principle in bioethics,autonomy represents an agreement to respect a patient's right to determine a course of action.Justice refers to the principle of fairness: fair treatment and fair distribution of health care resources.Fidelity refers to the agreement to keep promises and is based on the virtue of caring.Nonmaleficence is actively seeking to do no harm.