Which ethical principle requires avoiding harm?

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

Answer: (A)

Nonmaleficence is the obligation to avoid harming others. In healthcare, it means practitioners should refrain from actions that could injure patients and should minimize risks, avoiding unnecessary or dangerous interventions. When a question asks which principle requires avoiding harm, this principle is the best fit because its central idea is harm avoidance itself. Beneficence focuses on promoting well-being, justice on fair treatment, and autonomy on respecting patient choices, so they don’t center on the act of not harming in the same direct way.