Final answer:
Informed consent ensures a resident gives permission for medical care or participation in research after being fully informed about it, upholding the principle of autonomy and protecting their rights. the correct option is C. Gives permission for care after it had been explained to them.
Step-by-step explanation:
Informed consent is a fundamental ethical and legal requirement in healthcare and research settings. The correct answer to the student's question is C: informed consent means that the resident gives permission for care after it has been thoroughly explained to them, ensuring they understand the nature, benefits, risks, and implications of the treatment or procedure.
Informed consent ensures that individuals retain their right to make decisions about their own health and medical treatments, embodying the principle of autonomy. It requires that a person is adequately informed about the procedure and understands that their participation is voluntary, with the freedom to withdraw at any time without penalty. This process is also critical in protecting participants from exploitation and is necessary for the ethical conduct of research studies and medical practice.