Which ethical principle is commonly summarized as 'do no harm'?

Which ethical principle is commonly summarized as 'do no harm'?

• A. Nonmaleficence
• B. Beneficence
• C. Autonomy
• D. Justice

Answer: (A)

Nonmaleficence is the obligation to avoid causing harm. The idea of “do no harm” sits at the heart of this principle: minimize risks, prevent injury, and refrain from actions that could harm a patient. In practice, nurses assess whether a treatment or procedure could cause more harm than benefit, use safer alternatives when possible, and safeguard patient safety by following evidence-based practices, double-checking medications and dosages, and reporting errors to prevent harm. This principle also guides us to avoid exposing patients to unnecessary interventions and to stop or modify actions that could unnecessarily worsen a patient’s condition. Beneficence, by contrast, focuses on promoting the patient’s good and taking actions that actively benefit them; autonomy emphasizes respecting patients’ rights to make their own health decisions; justice concerns fair and equitable distribution of care and resources.

Nonmaleficence is the obligation to avoid causing harm. The idea of “do no harm” sits at the heart of this principle: minimize risks, prevent injury, and refrain from actions that could harm a patient. In practice, nurses assess whether a treatment or procedure could cause more harm than benefit, use safer alternatives when possible, and safeguard patient safety by following evidence-based practices, double-checking medications and dosages, and reporting errors to prevent harm. This principle also guides us to avoid exposing patients to unnecessary interventions and to stop or modify actions that could unnecessarily worsen a patient’s condition.

Beneficence, by contrast, focuses on promoting the patient’s good and taking actions that actively benefit them; autonomy emphasizes respecting patients’ rights to make their own health decisions; justice concerns fair and equitable distribution of care and resources.