The term which describes no harm to the patient is?

Appeared in: PGIMER Sangrur NO - 2023

Explanation

Non-maleficence is the core ethical principle that obligates healthcare providers to avoid causing harm to patients.
This principle is often summarized by the maxim primum non nocere, or "first, do no harm.".
It involves not only avoiding deliberate harm but also preventing unintentional harm through careful and competent practice.
Examples include preventing medication errors, protecting patients from falls, and avoiding negligent care.

Option A: Veracity is the principle of truth-telling and honesty, not the avoidance of harm.
Option B: Beneficence is the principle of 'doing good' or acting in the patient's best interest. While related to non-maleficence, its focus is on promoting well-being, not just avoiding harm.
Option D: Fidelity refers to faithfulness, loyalty, and keeping promises made to the patient.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: Use the key finding related to Ethical Principles in Nursing to guide bedside assessment, documentation, and the next nursing action.
Understanding non-maleficence is fundamental to safe nursing practice. It guides everyday actions, from the 'Six Rights' of medication administration to ensuring a safe patient environment.
Nurses are patient advocates, and a key part of this role is protecting them from potential harm, whether from procedures, medications, or even system failures.
What if? A doctor orders a medication to which the patient has a known allergy listed in their chart. The principle of non-maleficence requires the nurse to question the order and prevent the medication from being administered, thus avoiding harm.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the key phrase in the question stem: 'no harm to the patient'.
This is a factual recall question that tests your knowledge of foundational ethical terms.
Review the definitions of the options provided.
Match the key phrase 'no harm' to its corresponding ethical principle.
Veracity means truth, Beneficence means doing good, and Fidelity means faithfulness. Non-maleficence directly translates to 'do no harm'.
Select the option that aligns with the definition of avoiding harm.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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E6 Nursing Fundamentals Potter Perry 12e Part 2 p. 81-83

E6 Pharmacology Nursing Lilley 11e Part 1 p. 75-77

E6 Nursing Fundamentals Taylor p. 55-57

Practise the full PGIMER Sangrur NO - 2023

Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.