Public Health Nursing Practice Exam

What is a primary responsibility of a nurse under the principle of non-maleficence?

1. Providing comprehensive patient education

2. Minimizing potential harm to patients

3. Encouraging patient autonomy

4. Advocating for patient rights

The correct answer is: Minimizing potential harm to patients

Under the principle of non-maleficence, the primary responsibility of a nurse is to minimize potential harm to patients. This ethical principle emphasizes the importance of avoiding actions that could cause harm or suffering. Nurses apply this principle in their practice by carefully considering treatment options, monitoring patient outcomes, and ensuring that interventions do not adversely impact a patient’s health and well-being. Non-maleficence guides nurses to assess risks associated with treatments and to implement strategies that enhance patient safety. For instance, when administering medication, a nurse must evaluate potential side effects and interactions, ensuring they follow protocols to prevent harm. Essentially, the duty to "do no harm" reinforces the commitment of healthcare professionals to prioritize the safety and health of those in their care. While the other options are valuable aspects of nursing practice—such as providing education, encouraging patient autonomy, and advocating for rights—they do not specifically encapsulate the core tenet of minimizing harm, which is central to the principle of non-maleficence.