Question

The basic ethical principles in critical care medicine include:
A. Beneficence
B. Patient autonomy
C. Justice
D. Maleficence
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

• A. A, B and D only
• B. A and C only
• C. A, B and C
• D. B, C and D only

Hint:

Remember the four pillars of medical ethics:

\textbf{Autonomy} (respect the patient's choices)
\textbf{Beneficence} (do good)
\textbf{Non-maleficence} (do no harm)
\textbf{Justice} (be fair)
The list in the question swaps "Non-maleficence" with its opposite, "Maleficence."

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1: Recall the four foundational principles of medical ethics. Step 1: The field of medical ethics is commonly guided by four main principles, famously articulated by Beauchamp and Childress.
Step 2: Define each principle and evaluate the options.
Step 2:

(A) Beneficence: The principle of acting in the best interest of the patient; to do good. This is a core principle.
(B) Patient Autonomy: The principle of respecting the patient's right to make their own decisions about their medical care. This is a core principle.
(C) Justice: The principle of fairness and equitable distribution of healthcare resources and benefits. This is a core principle.
(D) Maleficence: This means "doing harm." The ethical principle is actually Non-maleficence, which is the duty to "do no harm." So, Maleficence itself is what one must avoid; it is not a principle to follow.
Step 3: Identify the correct principles from the list.
Step 3: Beneficence (A), Patient Autonomy (B), and Justice (C) are three of the four core ethical principles. Maleficence (D) is not a principle to be followed. Therefore, A, B, and C are the correct items.