Test Ethics Essay -- Beneficence, Nonmaleficence

Exam Part B Beneficence versus Nonmaleficence The two principles in focus are beneficence and nonmaleficence. Nonmaleficence is often paired with beneficence however there is a difference between these two principles (Rich, 2008). According to Beauchamp & Childress (2009) conflating beneficence and nonmaleficence into a single principle obscures important distinctions. In addition, both of these ethical principles beneficence and nonmaleficence are strengthened by state nursing practice acts, which mandate that nurses are legally obligated to safeguard patients and the profession (Bjarnason & LaSala, 2011). We will discuss both beneficence and nonmalficence principles and how they are both important to the nursing profession. The principle of beneficence is concerned with a moral obligation to act for the benefits of others (Kennedy, 2004). Additionally, beneficence is the principle consisting of deeds such as mercy, kindness, and charity (Rich, 2008). There are other forms of beneficence including altruism, love, and humanity (Beauchamp & Childress, 2009). We use beneficence in order to cover beneficent actions more broadly, so that it includes all forms of action to benefit other persons (Beauchamp & Childress, 2009). Overall, beneficence implies that an individual takes action to do good by benefiting others and facilitating their well-being. Beneficence also requires that benefits are balanced against risks and costs (Kennedy, 2004). In order for a person to â€Å"do good†, they must also consider the values of individual in question (Bjarnason & LaSala, 2011). Health care professionals have a duty to exercise beneficence towards their patients. Nurses have a more stringent obligation to act according to the benefi... ...ay arise between health care professionals, nurses, and the patient and family. Most often, when an ethical dilemma occurs, nurses most make a choice between the two equally unfavorable alternatives. An example of an ethical dilemma would be a client who refuses to take their blood pressure medication however based on autonomy they have the right to. The nurse may not be able to follow the principles of beneficence and autonomy at the same time because respecting patient autonomy means the nurse is not able to fulfill the obligation to â€Å"do good† for the patient. However, in this case, if the patient was competent the principle of autonomy would take priority. Abortion is another example of an ethical dilemma faced in the medical profession. For instance, some doctors are against abortion, yet there are certain others who have no problem at all doing it. â€Æ' Test Ethics Essay -- Beneficence, Nonmaleficence Exam Part B Beneficence versus Nonmaleficence The two principles in focus are beneficence and nonmaleficence. Nonmaleficence is often paired with beneficence however there is a difference between these two principles (Rich, 2008). According to Beauchamp & Childress (2009) conflating beneficence and nonmaleficence into a single principle obscures important distinctions. In addition, both of these ethical principles beneficence and nonmaleficence are strengthened by state nursing practice acts, which mandate that nurses are legally obligated to safeguard patients and the profession (Bjarnason & LaSala, 2011). We will discuss both beneficence and nonmalficence principles and how they are both important to the nursing profession. The principle of beneficence is concerned with a moral obligation to act for the benefits of others (Kennedy, 2004). Additionally, beneficence is the principle consisting of deeds such as mercy, kindness, and charity (Rich, 2008). There are other forms of beneficence including altruism, love, and humanity (Beauchamp & Childress, 2009). We use beneficence in order to cover beneficent actions more broadly, so that it includes all forms of action to benefit other persons (Beauchamp & Childress, 2009). Overall, beneficence implies that an individual takes action to do good by benefiting others and facilitating their well-being. Beneficence also requires that benefits are balanced against risks and costs (Kennedy, 2004). In order for a person to â€Å"do good†, they must also consider the values of individual in question (Bjarnason & LaSala, 2011). Health care professionals have a duty to exercise beneficence towards their patients. Nurses have a more stringent obligation to act according to the benefi... ...ay arise between health care professionals, nurses, and the patient and family. Most often, when an ethical dilemma occurs, nurses most make a choice between the two equally unfavorable alternatives. An example of an ethical dilemma would be a client who refuses to take their blood pressure medication however based on autonomy they have the right to. The nurse may not be able to follow the principles of beneficence and autonomy at the same time because respecting patient autonomy means the nurse is not able to fulfill the obligation to â€Å"do good† for the patient. However, in this case, if the patient was competent the principle of autonomy would take priority. Abortion is another example of an ethical dilemma faced in the medical profession. For instance, some doctors are against abortion, yet there are certain others who have no problem at all doing it. â€Æ'