Which ethical principle is the duty to do no harm?

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Multiple Choice

Which ethical principle is the duty to do no harm?

Nonmaleficence is the duty to do no harm. In practice, it means avoiding actions or treatments that could injure the patient and actively minimizing the risks associated with care, including side effects, complications, and unnecessary procedures. Decisions should prioritize patient safety and use the option with the least risk that still achieves the intended benefit. This is different from beneficence (promoting overall benefit), autonomy (honoring the patient’s own choices), and justice (fair distribution of care). For example, not prescribing a medication with high potential adverse effects when the benefit is uncertain, or choosing a safer alternative that achieves a similar outcome.

Nonmaleficence is the duty to do no harm. In practice, it means avoiding actions or treatments that could injure the patient and actively minimizing the risks associated with care, including side effects, complications, and unnecessary procedures. Decisions should prioritize patient safety and use the option with the least risk that still achieves the intended benefit. This is different from beneficence (promoting overall benefit), autonomy (honoring the patient’s own choices), and justice (fair distribution of care). For example, not prescribing a medication with high potential adverse effects when the benefit is uncertain, or choosing a safer alternative that achieves a similar outcome.

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