Which statement reflects the ethical standard of nonmaleficence in respiratory care?

The ethical standard of nonmaleficence in respiratory care emphasizes the importance of minimizing risks and potential harm to patients. This principle is rooted in the Hippocratic Oath's directive to "do no harm," which is central to all healthcare practices. In the context of respiratory care, this means that healthcare professionals are expected to carefully assess the risks associated with treatments and interventions, taking proactive steps to reduce any potential adverse effects that might harm the patient.

This principle also involves a commitment to practicing with competence, ensuring that any procedures undertaken are necessary and performed with appropriate skill to prevent harm. For example, a respiratory therapist may choose specific therapies or interventions based on their assessed risk-to-benefit ratio, prioritizing actions that maintain patient safety above all else.

Other options provide relevant considerations in healthcare ethics, but they do not directly reflect nonmaleficence. The statement about doing more good than harm relates more closely to the principle of beneficence, where the focus is on promoting the patient's well-being. Prioritizing patient preferences and ensuring shared decision-making emphasize patient autonomy and involvement in their care but do not explicitly address the prevention of harm, which is the core of nonmaleficence.