Which ethical principle is summarized by the phrase "do good and do no harm"?

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Multiple Choice

Which ethical principle is summarized by the phrase "do good and do no harm"?

The phrase summarizes beneficence and nonmaleficence—the obligation to act in the patient’s best interests while avoiding harm. Beneficence means actively promoting the patient’s welfare, seeking actions that provide real health benefits and improve well-being. Nonmaleficence means avoiding actions that could cause harm, including minimizing risks and refraining from unnecessary or overly dangerous interventions. Together, they guide clinical decisions by weighing benefits against potential harms and choosing options that maximize good while minimizing potential harm. Fidelity/Responsibility and Integrity focus on trustworthy and responsible professional conduct. Justice and Equality relate to fair treatment and fair distribution of care. Autonomy centers on respecting the patient’s right to make informed decisions. While all are important in ethics, the phrase in question specifically captures the combined imperative to do good and to do no harm.

The phrase summarizes beneficence and nonmaleficence—the obligation to act in the patient’s best interests while avoiding harm. Beneficence means actively promoting the patient’s welfare, seeking actions that provide real health benefits and improve well-being. Nonmaleficence means avoiding actions that could cause harm, including minimizing risks and refraining from unnecessary or overly dangerous interventions. Together, they guide clinical decisions by weighing benefits against potential harms and choosing options that maximize good while minimizing potential harm.

Fidelity/Responsibility and Integrity focus on trustworthy and responsible professional conduct. Justice and Equality relate to fair treatment and fair distribution of care. Autonomy centers on respecting the patient’s right to make informed decisions. While all are important in ethics, the phrase in question specifically captures the combined imperative to do good and to do no harm.

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