Which action is considered a violation of the nonmaleficence principle?

The principle of nonmaleficence is a cornerstone of medical ethics that emphasizes the obligation to not inflict harm intentionally. Providing treatment that may cause harm directly violates this principle, as it goes against the ethical duty of healthcare providers to prioritize patient safety and well-being.

In medical practice, every treatment should aim to improve the patient's condition or quality of life without causing undue harm. While it is recognized that some interventions might carry risks or side effects, the ethical expectation is that any potential harm should be outweighed by the benefits of the treatment. Therefore, if a provider administers a treatment without adequately considering its harmful potential or without justifying its necessity, this could be seen as a failure to uphold the principle of nonmaleficence.

Respecting a patient's wishes, offering pain relief options, and encouraging preventive care are all actions that align with ethical practices in healthcare, promoting the patient's autonomy, comfort, and health maintenance. These actions support the overall well-being of the patient and do not violate the principle of nonmaleficence, making them contrary to the concept of causing harm.