Which ethical principle is about preventing harm to patients and workers through safe handling?

Which ethical principle is about preventing harm to patients and workers through safe handling?

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

Answer: (C)

Nonmaleficence is the principle of not causing harm. It guides healthcare professionals to prevent harm to patients and to protect workers by handling medications, equipment, and procedures safely. This means taking steps to minimize risks—like using proper personal protective equipment, following safe storage and disposal practices for hazardous materials, ensuring correct administration and aseptic technique, and applying safety protocols that reduce injuries or infections. While beneficence focuses on doing good for patients, nonmaleficence centers on avoiding harm; autonomy is about respecting patient choices, and justice concerns fair and equitable treatment. So preventing harm through safe handling is a direct expression of nonmaleficence.

Nonmaleficence is the principle of not causing harm. It guides healthcare professionals to prevent harm to patients and to protect workers by handling medications, equipment, and procedures safely. This means taking steps to minimize risks—like using proper personal protective equipment, following safe storage and disposal practices for hazardous materials, ensuring correct administration and aseptic technique, and applying safety protocols that reduce injuries or infections. While beneficence focuses on doing good for patients, nonmaleficence centers on avoiding harm; autonomy is about respecting patient choices, and justice concerns fair and equitable treatment. So preventing harm through safe handling is a direct expression of nonmaleficence.