A nurse is caring for a client whose partner recently died.
The nurse sits with the client to provide comfort.
Which of the following ethical principles is the nurse demonstrating?
A.
Beneficence.
B.
Fidelity.
C.
Autonomy.
D.
Veracity.
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
The correct answer is A. Beneficence.
Explanation:
In nursing, beneficence is one of the core ethical principles. It refers to the act of doing good or promoting the well-being of patients. In this scenario, the nurse sits with the client to provide comfort during a time of emotional distress following the loss of their partner. By offering emotional support and presence, the nurse is actively engaging in an action that benefits the client’s emotional health. This act of kindness aligns with beneficence because the nurse is promoting the well-being of the client by providing compassion and comfort during a difficult time.
Let’s review the other options to clarify why they do not apply in this case:
- Fidelity refers to being faithful to one’s promises and responsibilities. In nursing, it emphasizes maintaining trustworthiness and keeping commitments to patients. While fidelity is important in maintaining a trusting nurse-client relationship, the act of sitting with the client to provide comfort is more directly aligned with beneficence rather than fidelity.
- Autonomy refers to respecting a client’s right to make their own decisions. Autonomy is about empowering patients to make choices about their own care. In this scenario, the nurse is providing emotional support rather than focusing on the client’s decision-making or respecting their autonomy.
- Veracity means being truthful and honest in communication with the client. This principle deals with providing accurate and truthful information, but it doesn’t apply here because the nurse is not engaging in an exchange of information but is instead providing emotional support.
In summary, the nurse’s action of sitting with the client to offer comfort demonstrates beneficence, as the nurse is ensuring the client’s well-being through compassionate care during a time of grief. This action promotes the emotional healing and comfort of the client, aligning with the principle of doing good for others.