What should participants be informed about regarding the trial's benefits?

• A. The benefits to the researchers.
• B. No benefits discussed.
• C. The reasonably expected benefits of participating in the trial.
• D. The guaranteed cure for the condition.

Answer: (C)

Informed consent requires telling participants about the benefits they might reasonably expect from taking part in a trial. This helps them weigh potential positive outcomes against risks and decide autonomously whether to enroll. The phrase “reasonably expected benefits” captures what is realistic and evidence-based, without promising a cure or guaranteeing results. Benefits can be direct to the participant (such as closer monitoring, access to a new treatment, or their contribution to knowledge) or indirect (advancing medical science for future patients).

Saying there are no benefits discussed would mislead participants about what they might gain, and talking about benefits only to researchers or promising a guaranteed cure would be unethical and inaccurate.