Which ethical framework emphasizes autonomy, nonmaleficence, beneficence, and justice?

Which ethical framework emphasizes autonomy, nonmaleficence, beneficence, and justice?

• A. Teleological ethics.
• B. Deontological ethics.
• C. Veracity.
• D. Paternalism.

Answer: (B)

This item is about recognizing a duty- and rights-based approach to ethical decision making. Autonomy, nonmaleficence, beneficence, and justice are fundamental principles that dictate how we should treat patients: respect for a person’s ability to make their own decisions, a commitment to not causing harm, a duty to promote good, and fairness in the distribution of care and resources. In deontological ethics, morality is judged by adherence to these duties and universal rules, not by the outcomes they produce. That makes this collection of principles a natural fit for a deontological framework, since the emphasis is on doing what is morally required and respecting individuals’ rights rather than chasing the best possible results. In contrast, teleological ethics focuses on the consequences of actions, truth-telling (veracity) is a specific principle rather than a comprehensive framework, and paternalism involves overriding a patient’s autonomy, which contradicts respecting their right to make their own choices.

This item is about recognizing a duty- and rights-based approach to ethical decision making. Autonomy, nonmaleficence, beneficence, and justice are fundamental principles that dictate how we should treat patients: respect for a person’s ability to make their own decisions, a commitment to not causing harm, a duty to promote good, and fairness in the distribution of care and resources. In deontological ethics, morality is judged by adherence to these duties and universal rules, not by the outcomes they produce. That makes this collection of principles a natural fit for a deontological framework, since the emphasis is on doing what is morally required and respecting individuals’ rights rather than chasing the best possible results.

In contrast, teleological ethics focuses on the consequences of actions, truth-telling (veracity) is a specific principle rather than a comprehensive framework, and paternalism involves overriding a patient’s autonomy, which contradicts respecting their right to make their own choices.