Which statement best describes beneficence in nursing practice?

Beneficence in nursing practice refers to the ethical principle of doing good and promoting the well-being of patients. This encompasses actions that benefit the patient and contribute to their health and happiness. When nurses practice beneficence, they actively seek to improve the patient's condition and ensure their physical, emotional, and psychological needs are met. This principle is fundamental to nursing care as it emphasizes the positive role nurses play in supporting their patients.

The other options highlight important aspects of nursing ethics and responsibilities but do not define beneficence specifically. Providing truthful information relates more to the ethical principle of veracity, while advocating for patient autonomy emphasizes respect for patients' rights to make their own decisions. Treating all patients with fairness aligns with the principle of justice in healthcare, which focuses on equity and fairness in treatment. Each of these principles supports comprehensive patient care, but beneficence distinctly focuses on the commitment to foster patient welfare and improve outcomes.