Which principle requires healthcare providers to protect the client from harm?

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

Answer: (A)

Nonmaleficence requires healthcare providers to protect the client from harm. This principle underpins nursing practice by guiding you to avoid actions that could injure the patient and to actively prevent unnecessary risks. In everyday care, this means things like administering medications safely, monitoring for adverse effects, ensuring procedures are truly necessary, and creating a safe environment to prevent accidents or complications. It’s about safeguarding the patient from harm before considering any potential benefit.

Beneficence, while related to promoting well-being, focuses more on actively doing good and weighing benefits and risks, which isn’t the emphasis when the question asks about protection from harm. Autonomy centers on respecting a patient’s choices and informed consent, not specifically on harm avoidance. Fidelity involves keeping promises and maintaining trust, such as confidentiality and loyalty, rather than the direct obligation to prevent harm.