The duty to keep a promise to a patient or parent of an infant falls under which ethical principle?

The duty to keep a promise to a patient or parent of an infant is rooted in the ethical principle of fidelity. This principle emphasizes the importance of being loyal, keeping commitments, and honoring the trust that patients and their families place in healthcare providers. In the context of nursing and healthcare, fidelity involves not only fulfilling promises but also maintaining integrity in professional relationships.

When nurses or healthcare practitioners make commitments to patients and their families, whether it's about care plans, treatment options, or follow-ups, upholding these promises is essential for establishing trust. This trust is foundational in the nurse-patient relationship, ensuring that parents feel secure and confident in the care their infant receives. Fidelity plays a crucial role in promoting positive health outcomes and fostering an environment where patients are treated with respect and dignity.

In contrast, the other ethical principles serve distinct purposes. Beneficence focuses on doing good and promoting well-being, autonomy emphasizes the patient's right to make informed decisions regarding their care, and justice relates to fairness and equality in the distribution of healthcare resources. While these principles are also important in healthcare, they do not specifically address the obligation to uphold promises made to patients or their families as the principle of fidelity does.