What does nonmaleficence mean in nursing ethics?

• A. Do good
• B. Do no harm
• C. Respect patient autonomy
• D. Justice and fairness

Answer: (B)

Nonmaleficence means not causing harm to patients. In nursing practice, this duty drives you to avoid actions or omissions that could injure, worsen a condition, or expose someone to unnecessary risk. It shows up in concrete ways: carefully verifying medication orders and dosages to prevent harm, using sterile techniques to avoid infections, monitoring for adverse effects, and stopping or avoiding procedures when they would do more harm than good. The aim is to protect patients from harm while you provide care. Sometimes a treatment may cause some discomfort or risk to achieve a beneficial outcome, so nurses weigh risks and benefits and take steps to minimize harm. This principle is paired with beneficence (doing good), autonomy (respecting patients’ choices), and justice (fair treatment).