In nursing ethics, which term is synonymous with 'do no harm'?

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

Answer: (C)

Nonmaleficence means avoiding harm to patients and preventing actions that could cause injury or suffering. It captures the principle behind “do no harm” in nursing: every intervention should be evaluated for potential risk, and care should be delivered in a way that minimizes potential harm, including stopping or modifying care if the risks outweigh the benefits. In practice, this guides decisions like avoiding unnecessary procedures, monitoring for adverse effects, and weighing potential harms before administering treatments.

Beneficence, by contrast, emphasizes actively promoting the patient’s good and well-being, not just avoiding harm. Autonomy focuses on respecting the patient’s right to make informed choices about their own care. Justice concerns fairness in the distribution of care and resources.