Define the term "paternalism" in a healthcare context.

In a healthcare context, paternalism refers to the practice of intervening in a patient's decision-making with the intention of benefiting them, often under the assumption that the healthcare provider knows what is best for the patient. This approach is rooted in a belief that the healthcare professional can make better decisions regarding a patient's health than the patient themselves.

Paternalism can manifest in various ways, such as when a doctor recommends a specific treatment without involving the patient in the decision-making process or when a healthcare provider decides to withhold information from a patient because they believe it might cause unnecessary distress. While the intention is often to protect the patient or promote their welfare, paternalism raises important ethical questions about autonomy, consent, and respect for a patient's rights to make informed choices regarding their own health care. This concept contrasts markedly with the principles of patient autonomy and informed consent, which emphasize the importance of a patient's active involvement in their own healthcare decisions.

The other options present different aspects of healthcare ethics: the right of patients to make informed decisions emphasizes autonomy, the duty to do no harm refers to the principle of nonmaleficence, and protecting patient information pertains to confidentiality and privacy rights. These concepts focus on empowering patients and safeguarding their rights, whereas paternal