Nursing Jurisprudence and Ethics for Texas Nurses Practice Exam

What is the primary ethical principle that should guide a nurse's decision-making in complex clinical situations?

1. Compassion

2. Beneficence

3. Professionalism

4. Teamwork

The correct answer is: Beneficence

Beneficence is the primary ethical principle that guides nurses in complex clinical situations. This principle emphasizes the obligation to act for the benefit of the patient, promoting their well-being and preventing harm. In clinical practice, nurses often face challenging decisions where they must weigh the potential benefits and risks of various interventions. Beneficence urges nurses to prioritize actions that improve patient outcomes, considering both their physical and emotional needs. While compassion, professionalism, and teamwork are all important aspects of nursing practice, they serve to support and enhance the application of beneficence. Compassion fosters empathy and understanding, professionalism establishes the nurse's accountability and ethical responsibilities, and teamwork encourages collaborative efforts in providing patient care. However, in terms of ethical decision-making, beneficence takes precedence, as it directly aligns with the nurse's duty to ensure that their actions serve the best interest of the patient.