A nurse sees a patient quietly crying in her room. The nurse enters the room, sits in the chair facing the patient, and says, "Something seems to be troubling you." This exchange is an example of the practical application of which of the following ethical principles?

Question

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The nurse's actions demonstrate the ethical principle of beneficence, which is the obligation to improve the patient's condition or prevent harm. By asking the patient what is troubling her and providing a listening ear, the nurse is acting in the patient's best interest and promoting her welfare. Autonomy refers to the patient's right to make decisions about her own care, veracity refers to truthfulness and honesty, and nonmaleficence refers to the obligation to do no harm. While these ethical principles may also be important in this situation, the nurse's actions primarily demonstrate beneficence.

A Nurse Sees a Patient Quietly Crying in Her Room