A nurse is educating a newly licensed nurse about ethical principles. Which of the following situations is an example of beneficence?
A.
A nurse keeps a promise to a client not to tell their family about their diagnosis.
B.
A nurse provides therapeutic touch by holding a dying patient’s hand.
C.
A nurse involves a client in making decisions about their care.
D.
A nurse tells the truth about forgetting to perform a procedure for a client.
The Correct answer and Explanation is:
The correct answer is B. A nurse provides therapeutic touch by holding a dying patient’s hand.
Explanation of Beneficence
Beneficence is a fundamental ethical principle in nursing that emphasizes actions taken to promote the well-being and welfare of patients. It involves actively contributing to the health and comfort of clients, going beyond mere non-maleficence (the obligation to avoid harm). In practice, beneficence is demonstrated through compassionate care and interventions that improve a patient’s quality of life.
In this scenario, when a nurse provides therapeutic touch by holding a dying patient’s hand, they are engaging in an act of beneficence. This simple yet powerful gesture can provide immense comfort to a patient who is in a vulnerable state. It can alleviate feelings of fear, anxiety, and loneliness that often accompany the dying process. The act of holding a hand conveys empathy, compassion, and presence, which can significantly enhance the patient’s emotional and psychological comfort during a critical time.
The other options illustrate different ethical principles:
- A. A nurse keeps a promise to a client not to tell their family about their diagnosis. This reflects the principle of fidelity, which focuses on keeping promises and being loyal to the patient’s wishes.
- C. A nurse involves a client in making decisions about their care. This exemplifies the principle of autonomy, which respects the patient’s right to make informed choices about their own health care.
- D. A nurse tells the truth about forgetting to perform a procedure for a client. This scenario represents honesty and accountability, aligning with the principle of veracity.
Overall, beneficence is integral to nursing practice, as it ensures that healthcare providers actively promote their patients’ health and well-being, particularly in sensitive situations like end-of-life care.