Nursing Jurisprudence and Ethics for Texas Nurses Practice Exam

What does engaging in "beneficence" in nursing practice typically involve?

1. Prioritizing efficiency over patient care

2. Ensuring patient safety and comfort

3. Complying strictly with hospital policy

4. Minimizing patient interactions to reduce liability

The correct answer is: Ensuring patient safety and comfort

Engaging in "beneficence" in nursing practice fundamentally involves taking actions that promote the well-being of patients. This ethical principle encourages nurses to provide care that benefits patients and enhances their quality of life. Ensuring patient safety and comfort aligns directly with this principle, as it embodies the essence of caring for patients and actively working towards their best interests. In contrast, prioritizing efficiency over patient care does not reflect the principle of beneficence; efficiency may sometimes compromise the quality of care delivered. Compliance with hospital policy, while important for maintaining standards and protocols, does not specifically address the individualized well-being of patients. Minimizing patient interactions to reduce liability also contradicts beneficence, as it could lead to decreased patient support and care necessary for their health and comfort. Thus, advocating for the welfare, safety, and comfort of patients is at the heart of beneficence in nursing practice.