👤 By the CinnaRN Clinical Content Team🕐 Updated 2026-07-11🏷️ Management of Care🔖 Free to read, print, and share
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Use this quick-reference guide to spot, treat, and prevent Ethical Principles (autonomy/beneficence) on the NCLEX. Keep it handy during review and on exam day!
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Def
Key facts
Autonomy = self-determination
Beneficence = do good
Nonmaleficence = do no harm
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More
Key facts
Justice = fair, equal treatment
Fidelity = keep promises
Veracity = truthfulness
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Do
Nursing actions
Respect refusal = autonomy
Advocate for client
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Watch
What to look for
Autonomy usually wins conflicts
Ethical dilemma → ethics committee
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Quick Tip
Autonomy is the patient's right to make their own informed decisions, including the right to refuse care.