Which behavior best reflects autonomy?

• A. Developing an evidence-based practice project
• B. Maintaining accountability for patient outcomes
• C. Participating in a research study
• D. Engaging in community service

Answer: (B)

Autonomy in clinical practice means making independent clinical decisions and being accountable for the outcomes of those decisions. Maintaining accountability for patient outcomes best demonstrates this because it requires the NP to exercise professional judgment, act on decisions independently when managing patient care, and own the results, good or bad.

While developing an evidence-based practice project shows initiative and applying knowledge, it is often a team or organizational effort and doesn’t by itself reflect everyday autonomous patient-care decisions. Participating in a research study follows predefined protocols and may limit independent decision-making in patient care. Engaging in community service reflects professional contribution but not direct autonomous decision-making about individual patient outcomes.