The team lead's decision to continue patient care despite a teammate's suggestion to administer lethal morphine demonstrates which principle of medical ethics?

The team lead's decision to continue patient care despite a teammate's suggestion to administer lethal morphine demonstrates which principle of medical ethics?

• A. Beneficence
• B. Autonomy
• C. Non-maleficence
• D. Justice

Answer: (C)

Non-maleficence is the obligation to do no harm. In this scenario, the team lead rejects a suggestion to administer a lethal dose of morphine and instead continues patient care, which prevents actively causing the patient’s death. That choice embodies the duty to protect life and avoid actions that would harm the patient. Beneficence would involve promoting the patient’s well-being, such as alleviating pain, but a lethal dose would not be beneficial. Autonomy would center on honoring the patient’s own treatment choices, and justice on fair treatment; neither captures the action of refraining from harm in this moment. So the team lead’s decision best reflects non-maleficence.

Non-maleficence is the obligation to do no harm. In this scenario, the team lead rejects a suggestion to administer a lethal dose of morphine and instead continues patient care, which prevents actively causing the patient’s death. That choice embodies the duty to protect life and avoid actions that would harm the patient. Beneficence would involve promoting the patient’s well-being, such as alleviating pain, but a lethal dose would not be beneficial. Autonomy would center on honoring the patient’s own treatment choices, and justice on fair treatment; neither captures the action of refraining from harm in this moment. So the team lead’s decision best reflects non-maleficence.