Fidelity means what?

• A. acting in the patient's best interest when the capacity to make free choice is no longer available to the patient
• B. respecting patient autonomy
• C. doing no harm
• D. fairness in treatment

Answer: (A)

Fidelity is about being faithful to the patient—keeping promises, showing loyalty, and staying true to the patient’s welfare even when the patient can’t voice preferences themselves. In practice that means acting in the patient’s best interests and honoring any prior wishes or known values, so the care you provide reflects a commitment to the patient as a person and to the trust placed in you by them and their family. This concept centers on trust, reliability, and the duty to support what’s best for the patient within the care relationship.

Autonomy refers to respecting the patient’s right to make their own decisions; doing no harm is nonmaleficence; and fairness in treatment is justice. Fidelity uniquely emphasizes loyalty and promise-keeping to the patient, including acting in their best interests when they cannot advocate for themselves.