Which statement reflects the principle of nonmaleficence in nursing ethics?

• A. Provide equal care for all patients.
• B. Respect patient autonomy.
• C. Maintain patient confidentiality at all times.
• D. Do no harm.

Answer: (D)

The main concept tested is nonmaleficence, the obligation to avoid harming patients through actions or omissions. In nursing, this means carefully considering risks, preventing injuries, and refraining from interventions that could cause unnecessary harm. The statement do no harm captures this principle most directly because it expresses a default stance to avoid causing harm in every action or decision. For example, choosing a safer medication when a less risky option exists, double-checking dosages to prevent harm, and stopping a procedure if it would likely cause more harm than benefit all reflect nonmaleficence in practice. While equal care for all patients aligns with justice, respecting patient autonomy aligns with autonomy, and maintaining patient confidentiality aligns with privacy, none of those express the harm-minimizing duty as directly as do no harm.