Which principle focuses on preventing harm?

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

Answer: (C)

Nonmaleficence is the principle that focuses on preventing harm. In medical practice, it means the obligation to avoid causing injury or unnecessary suffering to patients—often summarized as “do no harm.” This guides choices like avoiding treatments with high risk and minimal benefit, minimizing potential side effects, and ensuring safe, careful care (such as proper sterile technique and accurate dosing). Beneficence is about actively promoting good, which can involve risk to achieve a beneficial outcome; autonomy emphasizes respecting patient choices; justice relates to fair access and distribution of care. The emphasis on preventing harm makes nonmaleficence the best fit for this question.