What duty encompasses the obligation to keep promises and be loyal in nurse-patient relations?

The obligation to keep promises and demonstrate loyalty in nurse-patient relationships is best described by the concept of fidelity. Fidelity refers to the ethical principle of being faithful to one’s commitments and agreements, which is foundational in nursing practice. This means that nurses are expected to uphold their promises to patients, whether that be regarding care plans, confidentiality, or advocacy. By practicing fidelity, nurses cultivate trust, which is essential for effective therapeutic relationships and positive patient outcomes.

The other concepts are integral to nursing ethics but do not specifically encapsulate the duty of keeping promises and loyalty. Justice pertains to fairness and equality in the distribution of resources and care. Beneficence focuses on acting in the best interest of the patient, promoting their well-being. Autonomy is concerned with respecting a patient's right to make their own decisions regarding their healthcare. While these principles are all part of nursing practice, fidelity is the most directly related to the obligation of loyalty and promise-keeping in nurse-patient interactions.