International Board of Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) Practice Exam

What does the term "beneficence" refer to in a healthcare context?

1. To do no harm

2. To do good

3. To respect autonomy

4. To ensure justice

The correct answer is: To do good

In a healthcare context, the term "beneficence" refers to the ethical principle of doing good or promoting the well-being of patients. This principle underscores the importance of actions taken by healthcare professionals to improve patient health, provide beneficial treatments, and enhance quality of life. Essentially, it emphasizes the obligation of a healthcare provider to act in the best interest of the patient. This concept is foundational to healthcare ethics, as it guides practitioners to consider the positive impacts of their interventions and to seek outcomes that improve overall health and welfare. In practice, beneficence may involve decisions such as recommending certain medical treatments, providing palliative care, or implementing preventive measures—all aiming at enhancing patient welfare. The other options highlight important aspects of medical ethics, such as non-maleficence, which emphasizes the duty to avoid harm; respect for autonomy, which pertains to honoring patients' rights to make their own decisions; and justice, which focuses on fairness and equitable access to care. While these are all crucial ethical principles in healthcare, they represent distinct facets that complement the overarching principle of beneficence.