The most important principle in medicine is pretty simple: “Primum non nocere.” : First of all: Do no harm. People, who go to the hospital and are worse afterwards many times were treated by doctors who don’t follow this piece of advice. Afterwards the patients generally seek legal advice.
So remembering this principle is really helpful. But how do we apply it?
Does that mean that I should refrain from all procedures that imply a risk?
No central venous catheters because of possible pneumothorax?
No arterial cannulas because of bleeding risks? All you have to do is answer two questions.