A NICU nurse operating as a patient advocate is an example of which ethical principle?

A NICU nurse operating as a patient advocate is an example of which ethical principle?

• A. Autonomy
• B. Beneficence
• C. Nonmaleficence
• D. Justice

Answer: (B)

Beneficence is the ethical principle at play here—the obligation to promote the patient’s well-being and act in their best interest. In the NICU, a nurse who advocates for the patient is prioritizing actions and decisions that will improve the infant’s health and outcomes, coordinating care that benefits the baby, and clearly communicating with families to support beneficial choices. This goes beyond simply avoiding harm; it’s about actively doing what will help the patient thrive, within the context of neonate care. Autonomy concerns the patient’s or family’s right to make decisions, but neonates can’t decide for themselves, so advocacy centers on promoting the infant’s welfare. Nonmaleficence is about not causing harm, which is foundational, but beneficence specifically emphasizes doing good and advancing the patient’s health. Justice involves fairness in resource distribution and access, which is a broader consideration beyond the individual advocate role. Therefore, advocating for the patient in the NICU best reflects beneficence.

Beneficence is the ethical principle at play here—the obligation to promote the patient’s well-being and act in their best interest. In the NICU, a nurse who advocates for the patient is prioritizing actions and decisions that will improve the infant’s health and outcomes, coordinating care that benefits the baby, and clearly communicating with families to support beneficial choices. This goes beyond simply avoiding harm; it’s about actively doing what will help the patient thrive, within the context of neonate care. Autonomy concerns the patient’s or family’s right to make decisions, but neonates can’t decide for themselves, so advocacy centers on promoting the infant’s welfare. Nonmaleficence is about not causing harm, which is foundational, but beneficence specifically emphasizes doing good and advancing the patient’s health. Justice involves fairness in resource distribution and access, which is a broader consideration beyond the individual advocate role. Therefore, advocating for the patient in the NICU best reflects beneficence.