What is non-maleficence?

Asked by: Mrs. Audreanne Stracke DDS  |  Last update: June 11, 2025
Score: 4.7/5 (73 votes)

Nonmaleficence is the obligation of a physician not to harm the patient. This simply stated principle supports several moral rules − do not kill, do not cause pain or suffering, do not incapacitate, do not cause offense, and do not deprive others of the goods of life.

What is the meaning of non maleficence?

Nonmaleficence means to do no harm by refraining from providing ineffective or harmful treatments as determined by whether the benefits of treatment outweigh the burdens. From: Encyclopedia of Biomedical Engineering, 2019.

What is the main difference between beneficence and nonmaleficence?

Beneficence means performing a deed that benefits someone, while nonmaleficence means refraining from doing something that harms or injures someone. Feeding people at a soup kitchen is an example of beneficence. Preventing a patient from taking a harmful medication is an example of nonmaleficence.

What is autonomy vs Nonmaleficence?

Autonomy – respect for the patient's right to self-determination. Beneficence – the duty to 'do good' Non-Maleficence – the duty to 'not do bad'

What is an example of nonmaleficence being violated?

What are some ways that nonmaleficence can be breached in medical practice? Nonmaleficence can be breached through medical negligence or discrimination in healthcare. This principle requires that the benefits of any medical treatment must significantly outweigh any potential harm or discomfort to the patient.

Nonmaleficence

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What is a real life example of Nonmaleficence?

In some instances, choosing not to resuscitate an individual can be an example of nonmaleficence. Administering medications with potential side effects – the use of certain medications can lead to negative effects.

What is the difference between malfeasance and maleficence?

Malfeasance refers to intentional wrongdoing, such as data fabrication or manipulation, while maleficence involves causing harm, whether intentionally or not.

What are the 4 pillars of ethics?

Beneficence, nonmaleficence, autonomy, and justice constitute the 4 principles of ethics. The first 2 can be traced back to the time of Hippocrates “to help and do no harm,” while the latter 2 evolved later.

What does beneficence mean?

The generic definition of beneficence is an act of charity, mercy, and kindness. It connotes doing good to others and invokes a wide array of moral obligation. Beneficent acts can be performed from a position of obligation in what is owed and from a supererogatory perspective, meaning more than what is owed.

What are the 4 types of autonomy?

The forms of autonomy analyzed by this article include personal autonomy, cultural auton- omy, functional and administrative autonomy and legislative autonomy.

What is an example of non-maleficence in counseling?

Non-maleficence: The counselor will not use their knowledge and abilities to harm their client, their family, or any third party. For example, the counselor is not using confidential information for blackmail or manipulation of their clients.

What are the four rules of the Hippocratic Oath?

The Hippocratic Oath has four parts: a pledge to pagan deities, a list of positive obligations, a list of negative obligations, and a concluding piety.

What is an example of patient autonomy?

Patient Autonomy: Case Study

For example: Even though the best interests of this patient would be served by undergoing a CT scan and having sutures, he is an adult with full mental capacity, and so we must respect his patient autonomy in choosing to leave the Department.

What is the difference between nonmaleficence and beneficence?

Beneficence is the ethical principle of promoting good, while nonmaleficence is to avoid causing harm. Taking a patient outside for fresh air is an example of beneficence, while performing multiple checks to avoid a medication error is an example of nonmaleficence.

What is the rule of Nonmaleficence?

The principle of nonmaleficence holds that there is an obligation not to inflict harm on others. It is closely associated with the maxim primum non nocere (first do no harm).

What step is first when resolving an ethical problem or conflict?

Step 1: Define the source of the conflict.

The more information you have about the cause of the problem, the more easily you can help to resolve it.

What is an example of a non maleficence?

An example of a non-maleficent action would be stopping a medication known to be harmful or refusing to give a medication to a patient if it has not been proven to be effective.

What is another word for beneficence?

beneficence, charitableness, greatheartedness, bigheartedness. in the sense of benefaction.

What does maleficence mean?

: the act of committing harm or evil. b. : a harmful or evil act. 2. : the quality or state of being maleficent.

What are the 4 P's of ethics?

Doing nothing (an omission), when one could or should have done something, can be deemed just as unethical as doing something (an act). With these basic concepts in mind, let's look at how some ethical considerations could be considered under the classic four 'Ps' of product, price, place and promotion.

What are the three C's of medical ethics?

Besides the four pillars of medical ethics, the three C's (confidentiality, consent, capacity) are a must-know foundation for many common medical school interview scenarios.

What are the five codes of ethics?

The revised Code establishes a conceptual framework for all professional accountants to ensure compliance with the five fundamental principles of ethics:
  • Integrity.
  • Objectivity.
  • Professional Competence and Due Care.
  • Confidentiality.
  • Professional Behavior.

What is the meaning of misfeasance?

misfeasance. noun. mis·​fea·​sance mis-ˈfēz-ᵊns. : the performance of a lawful action in an illegal or improper manner. specifically : the performance of an official duty in an improper or unlawful manner or with an improper or corrupt motive compare malfeasance, nonfeasance.

How is nonmaleficence violated?

The principle of nonmaleficence is also endangered when there is a risk of damaging the subjects while deciding on their behalf, since we do not know if our decision and the decision of the participant are equal.

What is a synonym for maleficence?

the quality or nature of being harmful or evil. synonyms: balefulness, mischief.