Patient Care Technician (PCT) AAH Practice Exam

Which medical principle emphasizes the obligation to avoid causing harm to patients?

1. Beneficence

2. Confidentiality

3. Nonmaleficence

4. Autonomy

The correct answer is: Nonmaleficence

The principle that emphasizes the obligation to avoid causing harm to patients is nonmaleficence. This ethical concept is fundamental in healthcare, as it underscores the importance of safeguarding patients from unnecessary harm or suffering during medical treatment. Nonmaleficence is often summarized by the phrase "do no harm," highlighting the responsibility of healthcare providers to ensure that their actions do not result in injury or detriment to patients. This principle is essential in guiding clinical decision-making, ensuring that any interventions or treatments provided are carefully considered in terms of potential risks and benefits. For instance, when evaluating treatment options, healthcare providers must weigh the likelihood of significant side effects against the expected benefits of the treatment to abide by the nonmaleficence principle. In contrast, beneficence relates to promoting the well-being of patients, confidentiality pertains to protecting patient information, and autonomy focuses on respecting a patient's right to make informed decisions about their own care. While all of these principles are important in healthcare, it is nonmaleficence that specifically directs attention to the avoidance of harm.