A doctor tells a patient, “I’d like to take you off this medication. Based on your test results, it doesn’t seem to be helping. So even though you have had no side effects, and I don’t have any other treatment to suggest for you, I don’t think it’s a good idea to continue with this prescription.” Which foundation value of ethics does this situation MOST closely relate to?

(1 point)
Responses

autonomy
autonomy

justice
justice

beneficence
beneficence

malfeasance
malfeasance

1 answer

The situation described most closely relates to beneficence. Beneficence is the ethical principle that emphasizes the obligation to act in the best interest of the patient, promoting their health and well-being. In this context, the doctor is considering the patient's well-being by suggesting discontinuation of a medication that is not providing benefits, despite the absence of side effects.