Which term describes the duty to avoid causing harm to others?

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

Answer: (A)

Nonmaleficence is the obligation to avoid harming patients. In nursing ethics, this means choosing actions and providing care that do not inflict harm and that minimize potential risks. It guides everyday decisions like ensuring safe medication administration, performing procedures correctly to prevent injury, and withholding or stopping treatments when the risks outweigh the benefits. Maleficence would imply actively causing harm, which is not a duty of care. Beneficence, while related, is about doing good and promoting welfare, which is a separate but connected obligation. Autonomy focuses on respecting a patient’s right to make their own decisions rather than on avoiding harm.