Which ethical principle involves the nurse's obligation to act in the patient's best interest?

The ethical principle that involves the nurse's obligation to act in the patient's best interest is beneficence. Beneficence encompasses the responsibility of healthcare providers to contribute to the well-being of their patients, ensuring that the care delivered promotes positive health outcomes and supports the patient's overall welfare. This principle guides nurses to take actions that provide benefits to patients, enhance their quality of life, and support recovery.

In contrast, justice relates to fairness and equity in distributing healthcare resources, while autonomy emphasizes the patient's right to make informed decisions about their own care. Nonmaleficence focuses on the duty to do no harm to patients. While all of these principles are important in nursing practice, beneficence is specifically aligned with the obligation to prioritize the patient's best interests through supportive and effective care.