Which statement about values is true?

• A. They are deeply held beliefs that guide decisions, priorities, and behavior
• B. They are fixed and never change
• C. They are the same as beliefs
• D. They have no impact on patient care

Answer: (A)

Values are the deeply held principles that guide decisions, priorities, and behavior. This is why the statement is true: values shape what we consider important and how we act, including in healthcare. In practice, a clinician’s values influence choices about patient autonomy, confidentiality, fairness, and compassion, which directly affect patient care. Values are evaluative standards used to judge what matters most, not just beliefs about factual truth. They can develop and shift over time with experience, culture, and reflection, so they aren’t fixed forever. The other options misstate aspects of values: they aren’t simply beliefs about the world, and they do have a meaningful impact on patient care.