1. Which of the following is the best definition of nonmaleficence in

medical ethics?

a) The duty to do no harm or allow harm to be caused to a patient through

neglect

b) The duty to promote the well-being of patients and prevent adverse

outcomes

c) The duty to respect the autonomy and preferences of patients

d) The duty to treat patients fairly and distribute resources equitably

Answer: A. Nonmaleficence is derived from the Latin phrase “primum

non nocere” (“first, do no harm”) and focuses on the mitigation and

prevention of harm . Beneficence, autonomy, and justice are other core

principles in medical ethics that have different objectives.

2. Which of the following is an example of applying nonmaleficence in

medical practice?

a) Obtaining informed consent from a patient before performing a surgery

b) Providing palliative care to a patient with terminal cancer

c) Referring a patient to a specialist for a second opinion

d) Withholding a medication that could cause severe side effects to a

patient

Answer: D. Withholding a medication that could cause severe side effects

to a patient is an example of nonmaleficence, as it prevents harm and

adverse outcomes . Obtaining informed consent, providing palliative care,

and referring a patient to a specialist are examples of beneficence,

autonomy, and justice respectively.

3. Which of the following is not a general rule derived from the principle

of nonmaleficence?

a) Do not cause pain, suffering, or other experiential harm

b) Do not cause illness, injury, or disability

c) Do not deprive of goods or opportunities to which the individuals

deprived have legitimate claims

d) Do not disclose confidential information without permission

Answer: D. Do not disclose confidential information without permission

is not a general rule derived from the principle of nonmaleficence, as it

does not directly relate to causing harm to others . The other three options

are general rules specified from nonmaleficence