What term describes the act of providing care that causes harm to a patient?

The term that describes the act of providing care that causes harm to a patient is "maleficence." This concept is central to medical ethics and refers to actions that intentionally or unintentionally cause injury or suffering to a patient. In the context of healthcare, it is crucial to recognize that healthcare providers have an ethical obligation to avoid causing harm to their patients. Maleficence can arise from negligent practices, substandard care, or even purposeful actions that lead to a patient’s detriment.

Beneficence, by contrast, refers to actions taken to promote the well-being of patients, emphasizing the need to do good and act in the patient’s best interests. Abandonment addresses the situation where a medical professional ends the relationship with a patient without proper notice or transfer of care, potentially placing the patient at risk. Competence refers to the ability of a healthcare provider to perform their duties correctly and safely. Each of these terms has its significance in medical ethics, but maleficence specifically denotes actions that result in harm, making it the correct choice for this question.