Which principle obligates health professionals to act in the patient's best interest and to promote good?

• A. Autonomy
• B. Beneficence
• C. Nonmaleficence
• D. Fidelity

Answer: (B)

Beneficence means health professionals are obligated to act in the patient’s best interest and to promote their good. This involves taking proactive steps to improve health, relieve suffering, and prevent harm, not just avoiding harm but actively doing what will benefit the patient (such as providing effective treatment, timely care, and appropriate support). Autonomy focuses on respecting a patient’s right to make their own decisions; nonmaleficence is about not causing harm; fidelity concerns keeping promises and maintaining trust. While these principles interact in practice, beneficence is the one that specifically centers on actively promoting the patient’s well-being.