. What is the ethical principle that the American Nurses Association defines as “actions guided by compassion?” Beneficence Justice Autonomy Non-maleficence
The ethical principle that the American Nurses Association defines as “actions guided by compassion” is Beneficence.
Beneficence refers to the ethical obligation of healthcare providers to act in the best interest of their patients, promoting well-being and taking actions that enhance the health and welfare of individuals. It emphasizes the importance of compassion in nursing practice, as nurses are expected to provide care that positively impacts the patient’s health outcomes.
To clarify the other options:
Justice pertains to fairness and equality in the distribution of resources and care, ensuring that all patients receive appropriate treatment regardless of their background.
Autonomy involves respecting a patient’s right to make their own healthcare decisions based on their values and preferences.
Non-maleficence refers to the principle of “do no harm,” which means that healthcare providers should avoid causing harm to patients.
In summary, while all these principles are integral to ethical nursing practice, beneficence specifically aligns with the notion of actions driven by compassion.