Question

The principle of beneficence is fundamental to the practice of nursing and medicine. The agreement to act with beneficence implies that the best interests of the patient remain more important than self-interest. Nonmaleficence is the avoidance of harm or hurt. According to this concept, the healthcare professional tries to balance the risks and benefits of care while striving to do the least harm possible. Autonomy refers to the commitment to include patients in decisions about all aspects of care as a way of acknowledging and protecting a patient's independence. According to the concept of fidelity, a healthcare professional should be unwilling to abandon patients even when care becomes controversial or complex. In addition, the nurse should follow through on actions and interventions.

Answer 1

In the healthcare field, principles of nonmaleficence, beneficence, autonomy, and justice guide ethical behavior by ensuring that patients do not come to harm, benefit from medical interventions, make informed decisions about their own healthcare, and are treated equitably.

Step-by-step explanation:

The ethical principles of nonmaleficence, beneficence, autonomy, and justice play critical roles in healthcare and research involving human subjects. Nonmaleficence is the obligation to not inflict harm intentionally. It is closely associated with the principle 'do no harm' and is essential in ensuring patient safety by weighing the potential risks and benefits of care. Beneficence promotes actions that benefit others, entailing that healthcare providers ensure their actions have a positive impact on the patient's wellbeing. Autonomy respects the patient's right to make informed decisions about their own healthcare based on full disclosure of information. Justice, in the healthcare context, requires fair and equitable treatment of all patients and participants in clinical trials.

In the context of medicine and nursing, these ethical principles guide professionals to ensure respect for all individuals while providing the highest standard of care. Whether in daily clinical practice, complicated care situations, or during the conduct of clinical trials, these principles are integral in maintaining an ethical foundation for all interactions and interventions within healthcare.