A nurse has been asked to care for a patient who is an inmate from a nearby prison. During shift report, the nurse asks, "Why was the man convicted and imprisoned?" Another nurse responds that this is not important since nurses are required to provide compassionate care for all people in all circumstances. The responding nurse has displayed what concept?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

In its simplest form, beneficence can be defined as doing good. Nurses demonstrate beneficence by acting on behalf of others and placing a priority on the needs of others rather than on personal thoughts and feelings. The ethical concept of beneficence necessitates providing care for the prisoner without reproach and provide compassionate care for all people in all circumstances. Supporting or promoting the interests of others or doing so for a cause greater than ourselves defines advocacy. Confidentiality is the ethical concept that limits sharing private patient information. Autonomy, or self-determination, is the freedom to make decisions supported by knowledge and self-confidence.

A Nurse Has Been Asked to Care for a Patient