What does the principle of nonmaleficence require?

• A. Avoid causing harm to patients.
• B. Always maximize profits.
• C. Respect patient autonomy, regardless of harm.
• D. Disclose all patient information publicly.

Answer: (A)

Nonmaleficence means doing no harm to patients. It guides clinicians to avoid actions that could injure someone, and to minimize risks from treatments. In practice, this means choosing safer options, avoiding unnecessary procedures or tests with potential harm, and stopping or adjusting care when the risks outweigh the benefits. The other choices don’t fit because profit aims are not a medical ethics standard, respecting autonomy concerns patient choice rather than the obligation to avoid harm, and publicly disclosing patient information violates privacy and trust rather than addressing harm prevention.