Encouraging a patient to discuss health concerns with family to promote well-being reflects which ethical principle?

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

Answer: (C)

The main concept tested here is beneficence, acting to promote the patient’s well-being. Encouraging a patient to discuss health concerns with family aims to support the patient, enhance social support, reduce anxiety, and help with decision-making and adherence—all of which contribute to the patient’s overall welfare. That focus on promoting positive outcomes and welfare is the essence of beneficence.

Autonomy centers on the patient’s right to make their own decisions, which is important but addresses self-determination rather than the primary aim of promoting well-being through supportive actions. Veracity involves truth-telling, and justice concerns fair treatment; neither directly captures the welfare-enhancing, supportive intent shown in encouraging family discussion.