Exam Part BBeneficence versus Nonmaleficence The two principles in focus are beneficence and nonmaleficence. Nonmaleficence is often combined with beneficence, however there is a difference between these two principles (Rich, 2008). According to Beauchamp & Childress (2009) merging beneficence and nonmaleficence into a single principle obscures important distinctions. Furthermore, both of these ethical principles, beneficence and nonmaleficence, are reinforced by state nursing practice laws, which mandate that nurses are legally obligated to safeguard patients and the profession (Bjarnason & LaSala, 2011). We will discuss both the principles of beneficence and non-malice and how they are both important to the nursing profession. The principle of beneficence concerns the moral obligation to act for the benefit of others (Kennedy, 2004). Furthermore, beneficence is the principle consisting of actions such as mercy, kindness, and charity (Rich, 2008). There are other forms of charity including altruism, love, and humanity (Beauchamp & Childress, 2009). We use charity to cover charitable actions more broadly, to include all forms of action that benefit other people (Beauchamp & Childress, 2009). Overall, beneficence involves an individual acting to do good by benefiting others and facilitating their well-being. Beneficence also requires that benefits be balanced against risks and costs (Kennedy, 2004). For a person to “do good,” they must also consider the values ​​of the individual in question (Bjarnason & LaSala, 2011). Healthcare professionals have a duty to exercise charity towards their patients. Nurses have a stricter obligation to act on the benefits that may arise between healthcare professionals, nurses, the patient and the family. Very often, when an ethical dilemma occurs, nurses make a choice between two equally unfavorable alternatives. An example of an ethical dilemma would be a client who refuses to take blood pressure medication based on the autonomy to which he or she is entitled. The nurse may not be able to follow the principles of beneficence and autonomy at the same time because respecting the patient's autonomy means that the nurse is unable to fulfill the obligation to “do good” for the patient. However, in this case, if the patient were competent, the principle of autonomy would take priority. Abortion is another example of an ethical dilemma faced in the medical profession. For example, some doctors are against abortion, but there are others who have no problem with it.