McClure HSHS Current Issues In Healthcare Practice Test

Non-malfeasance is best described as which principle?

Do no harm; avoid causing unnecessary pain or injury Maximize benefits Respect patient autonomy Ensure equal access to care

Correct Answer:

Do no harm; avoid causing unnecessary pain or injury

Explanation:

Non-maleficence centers on the obligation to avoid causing harm to patients. It’s the principle captured by “do no harm,” guiding decisions to minimize unnecessary pain, injury, or suffering that could come from treatment. This is why the option describing avoiding harm and unnecessary harm is the best fit. The other concepts describe related duties in different ways: maximizing benefits reflects beneficence (doing good for the patient), respecting autonomy focuses on honoring the patient’s choices, and ensuring equal access aligns with justice (fair distribution of care).

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