Nclex PN Questions and Answers Related

Review Nclex PN Questions and Answers related questions and content

Which action by the nurse represents the ethical principle of benevolence?

  • A. The nurse administers an immunization to a child even though it may cause discomfort
  • B. The nurse follows a plan of care designed to relieve pain in a client with cancer
  • C. The nurse provides equal amounts of care to all assigned clients on the basis of illness acuity
  • D. The nurse upholds a client's decision to refuse chemotherapy for lung cancer
Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Benevolence is taking action to help others. In this scenario, administering an immunization to a child, even though it may cause discomfort, aligns with the principle of benevolence as the benefits of protection from disease outweigh the temporary discomfort. Fidelity refers to keeping promises made to clients, families, and other healthcare professionals. Autonomy is a person's independence, and respecting autonomy means agreeing to respect an individual's right to determine their course of action. Justice refers to fairness and equity, including the fair allocation of resources, such as nursing care for all clients. Choice B is incorrect as it pertains more to the ethical principle of beneficence rather than benevolence, which focuses on doing good for others without an expectation of something in return. Choices C and D are incorrect as they do not directly align with the principle of benevolence.