Which scenario best demonstrates nonmaleficence in nursing care?

• A. Administering a medication with known minor side effects without monitoring is acceptable.
• B. Implementing a safety protocol that reduces risk.
• C. Failing to monitor a high-risk medication to avoid alarm.
• D. Administering a medication with known high risk of harm without safeguards.

Answer: (D)

Nonmaleficence is about doing no harm and actively reducing risks to patients. The scenario that best demonstrates this is implementing a safety protocol that reduces risk, because it shows the nurse proactively identifying potential hazards and putting safeguards in place to prevent harm. By standardizing precautions, monitoring practices, and using appropriate safety measures, harm is prevented before it can occur. In contrast, administering a medication with known side effects without monitoring still risks harm, failing to monitor a high-risk medication to avoid alarm neglects safety checks, and giving a high-risk medication without safeguards directly exposes the patient to harm.