Doing no harm is?
A.
Justice
B.
Nonmaleficence
C.
Beneficence
D.
Veracity
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
The correct answer is B. Nonmaleficence.
Explanation:
Nonmaleficence is a fundamental ethical principle in healthcare, which means “do no harm.” This principle obligates healthcare providers to avoid causing harm to patients. It is one of the core principles of bioethics, along with beneficence, autonomy, and justice. The concept of nonmaleficence is rooted in the Hippocratic Oath, a tradition in medical ethics that dates back to ancient Greece, where physicians pledged to avoid causing harm to their patients.
Nonmaleficence is closely related to beneficence, another ethical principle, which requires healthcare professionals to act in the best interest of the patient by promoting their well-being. However, nonmaleficence specifically emphasizes the importance of not inflicting harm. In practice, this means healthcare providers must carefully consider the potential risks and benefits of any intervention or treatment, striving to minimize harm as much as possible.
For example, when a physician is considering a surgical procedure, they must weigh the potential benefits of the surgery against the risks of complications. If the potential harm outweighs the benefits, nonmaleficence would guide the physician to avoid the procedure. Similarly, in prescribing medications, the healthcare provider must consider the potential side effects and adverse reactions to ensure that the treatment does not cause more harm than good.
Nonmaleficence also plays a crucial role in end-of-life care, where the goal may shift from curing a disease to providing comfort and avoiding unnecessary suffering. In these situations, healthcare providers must carefully navigate decisions to withhold or withdraw treatment to prevent prolonging pain or suffering.
Overall, nonmaleficence serves as a guiding principle in healthcare, reminding providers to always prioritize the well-being of their patients by avoiding harm whenever possible.