Define beneficence in nursing ethics.

• A. The obligation to do no harm.
• B. The obligation to respect patient autonomy.
• C. The obligation to act in the best interest of the patient and promote well-being.
• D. The obligation to document care thoroughly.

Answer: (C)

Beneficence means actively doing good for the patient—acting to promote their well-being and relieve or prevent suffering. In nursing, this involves actions that benefit the patient, such as providing effective pain relief, supporting recovery, and arranging needed care, while weighing benefits against risks and respecting the patient’s values and preferences. The obligation to do no harm reflects nonmaleficence, not beneficence. Respecting patient autonomy focuses on honoring the patient’s choices, and thorough documentation, while important for safety and communication, is not the definition of beneficence.