Which two ethical principles shape the practice of health care and distinguish it from other human relationships?

• A. Beneficence and Fidelity
• B. Autonomy and Justice
• C. Nonmaleficence and Confidentiality
• D. Respect and Consent

Answer: (A)

In health care, care is guided by acting for the patient’s good and by being reliably trustworthy within the professional relationship. Beneficence is about promoting the patient’s welfare—providing effective treatments, relieving suffering, and advocating for what will help the patient achieve better health. Fidelity is about staying true to one’s professional role—keeping promises, respecting agreements, honoring consent, and protecting the patient’s privacy. This combination creates a distinct caregiver–patient bond built on active concern for the patient’s well-being and a foundation of trust and reliability. Other principles like autonomy or confidentiality are important in their own right, but the pairing of doing good for the patient and remaining consistently trustworthy best captures what makes health care relationships unique.