Beneficence and nonmaleficence vs Autonomy and justice
How to tell Beneficence and nonmaleficence and Autonomy and justice apart when a board question makes them look alike.
Beneficence helps, nonmaleficence avoids harm, autonomy respects choice, justice is fairness.
Side by side
Beneficence means acting for patient benefit; nonmaleficence means avoiding harm or minimizing risk.
Autonomy means respecting informed patient choices; justice means fair distribution of resources and equal treatment.
Beneficence means acting for patient benefit; nonmaleficence means avoiding harm or minimizing risk.
Autonomy means respecting informed patient choices; justice means fair distribution of resources and equal treatment.
The repair move
Before naming the answer, force the stem through the separator: Beneficence helps, nonmaleficence avoids harm, autonomy respects choice, justice is fairness.
Try a free question
CoreA patient has terminal lung cancer with poor prognosis. The physician must decide whether to recommend an experimental chemotherapy that may extend life by a few months but has significant toxic side effects. The physician weighs the potential benefit against the risk of harm. Which ethical principle most directly guides this weighing?
Show answer and explanation
Answer: A. Balance of beneficence and nonmaleficence. Four principles of medical ethics: (1) BENEFICENCE: act for patient benefit; (2) NONMALEFICENCE: avoid harm, 'first do no harm' (primum non nocere); (3) AUTONOMY: respect patient's right to make informed choices; (4) JUSTICE: fair distribution of resources and equal treatment. Risk-benefit analysis weighs beneficence (potential benefit) against nonmaleficence (potential harm). The patient's autonomy then determines the final decision after informed consent.
Why the other choices are tempting
- B. Autonomy is about respecting patient's informed choice (relevant but not the weighing process).
- C. Justice is about fair resource allocation.
- D. Confidentiality protects patient information.
- E. Veracity is truthfulness.
Flashcards
Tap a card to flip it.
What clue supports Beneficence and nonmaleficence?
Choose Beneficence and nonmaleficence when the stem gives this pattern: Beneficence means acting for patient benefit; nonmaleficence means avoiding harm or minimizing risk.
What clue supports Autonomy and justice?
Choose Autonomy and justice when the stem gives this contrasting pattern: Autonomy means respecting informed patient choices; justice means fair distribution of resources and equal treatment.
Quick answers
What is the fastest way to tell Beneficence and nonmaleficence from Autonomy and justice?
Beneficence helps, nonmaleficence avoids harm, autonomy respects choice, justice is fairness.
What is the key clue for Beneficence and nonmaleficence?
Beneficence means acting for patient benefit; nonmaleficence means avoiding harm or minimizing risk.
What is the key clue for Autonomy and justice?
Autonomy means respecting informed patient choices; justice means fair distribution of resources and equal treatment.