Patient Care Technician (PCT) AAH Practice Exam

What is the primary principle behind the Hippocratic Oath?

1. To cure all diseases

2. To do no harm

3. To follow all patient requests

4. To provide treatment regardless of consent

The correct answer is: To do no harm

The primary principle behind the Hippocratic Oath is the commitment to "do no harm," which is a foundational concept in medical ethics. This principle emphasizes the importance of practicing medicine with the intent to benefit patients while minimizing the risk of causing injury or suffering. It establishes a moral obligation for healthcare professionals to prioritize patient safety and well-being above all else, ensuring that treatments and interventions are carefully considered and only carried out when they are likely to provide more benefit than harm. The other options do not encapsulate the essence of the Hippocratic Oath as effectively. While the desire to cure all diseases is noble, the complexity of medicine often means that not every disease can be cured, and sometimes interventions may cause more harm than good. Following all patient requests might not always align with the ethical responsibility to provide care that is safe and appropriate, as some requests may contradict medical guidelines or pose risks. Lastly, providing treatment regardless of consent violates a fundamental ethical principle that respects patient autonomy and the right to make informed decisions about one’s own healthcare. Thus, the emphasis on doing no harm serves as a guiding principle for ethical medical practice.