In nursing, which principle relates to promoting well-being?

The principle of beneficence focuses on promoting the well-being of patients and taking actions that benefit them. In nursing practice, this principle encourages nurses to actively contribute to the health and wellness of their patients by providing care that is aimed at improving their physical and emotional states. It encompasses not only the act of doing good but also the obligation to prevent harm and to promote the best possible outcomes for individuals in their care.

Nurses implement beneficence by assessing patient needs, providing appropriate treatments, and supporting patients' health goals, ensuring that their actions align with the best interests of the individuals they serve. This principle underlines the ethical duty of healthcare providers to prioritize the patient's welfare and to advocate for positive health interventions.

Justice, autonomy, and confidentiality are also important concepts in nursing ethics, but they serve different roles. Justice relates to fairness and equality in the distribution of resources and care, autonomy emphasizes respecting a patient’s right to make informed decisions about their own healthcare, and confidentiality involves the ethical duty to protect patient privacy. While all of these principles are vital in promoting holistic patient care, beneficence explicitly addresses the aspect of actively improving a patient’s well-being.