What term describes the obligation to help people in need?

The term that describes the obligation to help people in need is beneficence. This principle is a fundamental concept in healthcare ethics and highlights the commitment of healthcare providers to act in the best interest of their patients. Beneficence encompasses the idea of taking positive steps to enhance the well-being of individuals and to prevent or remove harm.

In a clinical context, this might involve providing treatments that are beneficial, offering support, and striving to improve patients' health outcomes. It is a crucial aspect of the caregiver-patient relationship, emphasizing an ethical responsibility to provide care that serves the needs and welfare of patients, especially those who are vulnerable or in dire situations.

Other terms in the question pertain to different ethical principles. For instance, veracity relates to truth-telling and honesty in the provider-patient relationship, autonomy focuses on respecting a patient's right to make their own decisions, and non-maleficence refers to the commitment to avoid causing harm. While these principles are also essential in nursing and healthcare, they serve distinct roles within the ethical framework.