Which term describes the ethical responsibility to promote good and to act in the best interest of the patient?

The term that describes the ethical responsibility to promote good and to act in the best interest of the patient is beneficence. This principle is fundamental in nursing and healthcare, emphasizing the obligation to contribute to the well-being of patients. Beneficence involves not just avoiding harm, but actively working to improve the patient’s situation and health outcomes. This can manifest in various actions, such as providing effective treatments, offering emotional support, and ensuring that patients receive comprehensive care tailored to their individual needs.

In contrast, other ethical principles like veracity, which relates to truthfulness, focus on honesty in communication. Autonomy emphasizes respecting the patient's right to make their own healthcare decisions. Justice pertains to fairness in the distribution of resources and treatment among patients. While these principles are all essential components of ethical practice in nursing, beneficence specifically captures the essence of actively doing good for patients, making it the correct answer in this context.