Nonmaleficence is best described as which principle?

• A. Do no harm
• B. Respect for autonomy
• C. Provide the greatest good for the greatest number
• D. Fair distribution of resources

Answer: (A)

Nonmaleficence centers on not harming patients. It requires clinicians to avoid causing injury, minimize risks, and weigh potential harms against benefits before acting. In practice, this means choosing treatments with acceptable risk, avoiding unnecessary or overly risky procedures, and stopping interventions if they cause more harm than good—even if there might be some benefit. This principle is distinct from autonomy (respecting a patient’s right to make their own decisions), beneficence (doing what’s best for the patient), and justice (fair distribution of resources). The phrase “do no harm” captures nonmaleficence most succinctly and is the best description of the principle.