What ethical principle refers to acts by health care professionals that promote the well-being of patients?

What ethical principle refers to acts by health care professionals that promote the well-being of patients?

• A. Beneficence
• B. Autonomy
• C. Protocol
• D. Nonmaleficence

Answer: (A)

Beneficence is the ethical principle that guides health professionals to act in ways that promote the well-being and best interests of patients. It involves taking positive steps to help patients, such as providing beneficial treatments, relieving suffering, and supporting recovery, while weighing risks and benefits and considering patient values. Autonomy is about respecting a patient’s right to make their own decisions, which is important but separate from actively doing good for the patient. Nonmaleficence means avoiding harm, focusing on not causing injury or suffering. Protocol refers to established procedures rather than a principle about patient welfare. So the best fit for acts that promote the patient’s well-being is beneficence.

Beneficence is the ethical principle that guides health professionals to act in ways that promote the well-being and best interests of patients. It involves taking positive steps to help patients, such as providing beneficial treatments, relieving suffering, and supporting recovery, while weighing risks and benefits and considering patient values. Autonomy is about respecting a patient’s right to make their own decisions, which is important but separate from actively doing good for the patient. Nonmaleficence means avoiding harm, focusing on not causing injury or suffering. Protocol refers to established procedures rather than a principle about patient welfare. So the best fit for acts that promote the patient’s well-being is beneficence.