Which statement best describes the nonmaleficence meaning?

Which statement best describes the nonmaleficence meaning?

• A. The obligation to respect patient autonomy
• B. The duty to do no harm
• C. The obligation to keep promises to the patient
• D. The obligation to ensure equal access for all patients

Answer: (B)

Nonmaleficence means the duty to do no harm. It guides nurses to avoid actions or omissions that could injure a patient and to minimize risk when care is provided. This includes choosing safer treatment options when possible, monitoring for adverse effects, and stopping or adjusting interventions if the potential harm outweighs the benefit. It’s about preventing harm, not about doing good—that’s beneficence. The other obligations refer to different ethical duties: respecting patient autonomy, keeping promises (fidelity), and ensuring fair access (justice).

Nonmaleficence means the duty to do no harm. It guides nurses to avoid actions or omissions that could injure a patient and to minimize risk when care is provided. This includes choosing safer treatment options when possible, monitoring for adverse effects, and stopping or adjusting interventions if the potential harm outweighs the benefit. It’s about preventing harm, not about doing good—that’s beneficence. The other obligations refer to different ethical duties: respecting patient autonomy, keeping promises (fidelity), and ensuring fair access (justice).