Principles of ethics are universal rules of conduct.

■■ Autonomy is the right of a person to make his or her own decisions.

■■ Beneficence is the principle of doing good, demonstrating kindness, showing compassion, and helping others.

■■ Paternalism is a form of beneficence that can involve withholding information from a person because of the belief that doing so is in the best interest of that person.

■■ Medical paternalism involves making choices for patients who are capable of making their own choices; it directly violates patient autonomy.

■■ Nonmaleficence is an ethical principle that requires caregivers to avoid causing patients harm.

■■ Justice is the obligation to be fair in the distribution of benefits and risks.

■■ Distributive justice requires equal treatment of all persons.