Beneficence in nursing is best demonstrated by which action?

• A. Preserve resources
• B. Promote patient well-being
• C. Limit family involvement
• D. Avoid expressing empathy

Answer: (B)

Beneficence means doing good for the patient and actively promoting their well-being through caring actions. In nursing, this is shown by steps that enhance health, relieve suffering, provide comfort, and support the patient’s overall welfare. Promoting patient well-being directly reflects this obligation, as the nurse’s actions are aimed at benefiting the patient in tangible ways—such as relieving pain, supporting recovery, advocating for needed care, and ensuring safety.

Preserving resources is important for efficient care, but it doesn’t capture the primary aim of beneficence, which centers on actions that benefit the patient. Limiting family involvement can undermine the support and decision-making that contribute to well-being, and avoiding empathy misses a critical, compassionate component of care that helps comfort and reassure the patient.

So, the action that best demonstrates beneficence is promoting patient well-being.