Beneficence

Definition

Beneficence is the ethical obligation to act in the best interests of the patient by preventing harm, removing harmful conditions, and actively doing good, along with non-maleficence, autonomy, and justice, it is a pillar of healthcare ethics.

Nursing Applications

• Providing pain relief
• Advocating for necessary treatment
• Preventing complications through evidence-based care
• Educating patients and families
• Supporting healthy coping and recovery

Tension with Autonomy

Beneficence may conflict with patient autonomy when a patient refuses recommended treatment. The nurse must balance 'doing good' with respecting the client's right to choose. In most cases, autonomy of a competent adult patient takes precedence.

Tension with Non-Maleficence

Beneficence and non-maleficence are closely related but not identical: a treatment may do good AND have risks. Weighing benefits vs harms guides ethical action.

NCLEX Relevance

Identify beneficence on ethical principle questions. Look for 'acting for the patient's benefit' or 'providing good care.'