Which principle obligates avoiding harm to patients?

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

Answer: (A)

Nonmaleficence means avoiding harm to patients. It embodies the idea of “do no harm” and obliges clinicians to refrain from actions that could injure a patient and to minimize risks when any intervention is considered. This principle guides choices like selecting safer options, avoiding unnecessary or overly risky procedures, and closely watching for adverse effects so that benefits truly outweigh harms. While beneficence focuses on promoting the patient’s good, nonmaleficence specifically centers on preventing and limiting harm. Autonomy and justice address other duties—respecting patient choices and fair distribution of care—so the emphasis here is on minimizing potential injury in clinical decisions.