Which term denotes the obligation to avoid causing harm to patients?

Which term denotes the obligation to avoid causing harm to patients?

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

Answer: (D)

Nonmaleficence is the obligation to avoid causing harm to patients. In medical ethics, this principle means clinicians should not inflict injury, and they should minimize risks and potential harm associated with treatment. It guides decisions like avoiding unnecessary or risky procedures, carefully weighing benefits against harms, and stopping or altering interventions when harms outweigh the potential benefits. While beneficence focuses on actively promoting the patient’s good, nonmaleficence centers on preventing harm. Autonomy respects patients’ rights to decide for themselves, and justice concerns fair treatment and resource distribution. Together, nonmaleficence is the duty to "do no harm," which is why it is the term that denotes the obligation to avoid harming patients.

Nonmaleficence is the obligation to avoid causing harm to patients. In medical ethics, this principle means clinicians should not inflict injury, and they should minimize risks and potential harm associated with treatment. It guides decisions like avoiding unnecessary or risky procedures, carefully weighing benefits against harms, and stopping or altering interventions when harms outweigh the potential benefits. While beneficence focuses on actively promoting the patient’s good, nonmaleficence centers on preventing harm. Autonomy respects patients’ rights to decide for themselves, and justice concerns fair treatment and resource distribution. Together, nonmaleficence is the duty to "do no harm," which is why it is the term that denotes the obligation to avoid harming patients.