Which ethical principles are used to frame shared goals in end-of-life care?

• A. Privacy
• B. Veracity
• C. Autonomy, beneficence/maleficence, and justice
• D. Nonmaleficence

Answer: (C)

Shared goals in end-of-life care are guided by the four main ethical principles: autonomy, beneficence, nonmaleficence, and justice. Respecting autonomy means honoring the patient’s values, preferences, and decisions about treatments, including advance directives. Beneficence focuses on actions that promote comfort, relieve suffering, and support overall well-being. Nonmaleficence obliges clinicians to avoid causing harm and to weigh burdens against benefits when choosing interventions. Justice ensures fair access to care and fair distribution of resources and services. These principles together help teams, patients, and families negotiate goals that align with the patient’s wishes while providing compassionate, responsible care. Privacy and veracity are important for trust and communication, but the framework for shared end-of-life goals centers on autonomy, beneficence, nonmaleficence, and justice.