Which principle is primarily about avoiding harm to patients?

Which principle is primarily about avoiding harm to patients?

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

Answer: (B)

Nonmaleficence is about avoiding harm to patients. In practice, it means clinicians should not take actions that could injure a patient and should minimize any risks when treatment is necessary. It’s the safeguard that even when there’s a potential benefit, the potential for harm must be weighed, and unnecessary or disproportionate harm should be avoided. This isn’t the same as beneficence, which focuses on doing good and promoting the patient’s well-being; nonmaleficence specifically prioritizes safety and harm avoidance. The other principles describe different duties—justice addresses fair distribution of resources and treatments, and autonomy centers on respecting a patient’s own choices. So, when the question asks which principle is primarily about avoiding harm, nonmaleficence fits best.

Nonmaleficence is about avoiding harm to patients. In practice, it means clinicians should not take actions that could injure a patient and should minimize any risks when treatment is necessary. It’s the safeguard that even when there’s a potential benefit, the potential for harm must be weighed, and unnecessary or disproportionate harm should be avoided. This isn’t the same as beneficence, which focuses on doing good and promoting the patient’s well-being; nonmaleficence specifically prioritizes safety and harm avoidance. The other principles describe different duties—justice addresses fair distribution of resources and treatments, and autonomy centers on respecting a patient’s own choices. So, when the question asks which principle is primarily about avoiding harm, nonmaleficence fits best.