A charge nurse is reviewing ethical principles with a group of staff nurses. Which of the following statements by a staff nurse indicates an understanding of ethical principles?
A.
“Nonmaleficence is doing what is good for a client.”
B.
“Fidelity means not doing anything that can harm the client.”
C.
“Veracity means telling the truth and being honest.”
D.
“Beneficence is being fair and impartial to a client.”
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
The correct answer is:
C. “Veracity means telling the truth and being honest.”
Explanation
In the context of nursing and healthcare, understanding ethical principles is crucial for providing high-quality patient care and maintaining professional integrity. Here’s a breakdown of the ethical principles mentioned in the question and why option C is the correct choice:
- Veracity (Option C): Veracity is the ethical principle of truth-telling and honesty. It involves providing accurate and truthful information to patients, which is essential for informed consent, trust-building, and effective communication in healthcare. A nurse who practices veracity ensures that patients are given clear, truthful information about their diagnosis, treatment options, and prognosis. This principle supports transparency and helps patients make well-informed decisions about their care.
- Beneficence: This principle involves actions that promote the well-being of patients. It is the duty to do good and act in ways that benefit the patient. The statement in Option D incorrectly defines beneficence as being fair and impartial, which actually describes the principle of justice. Beneficence is more about actively contributing to the patient’s welfare rather than fairness.
- Nonmaleficence: This principle means “do no harm.” It is the duty to avoid causing harm or injury to patients. Option A incorrectly defines nonmaleficence as doing what is good for a client, which is actually the definition of beneficence. Nonmaleficence is about preventing harm, not necessarily promoting good.
- Fidelity: Fidelity involves being faithful to one’s commitments and promises, including maintaining confidentiality and honoring agreements. Option B incorrectly defines fidelity as not doing anything that can harm the client, which is more aligned with nonmaleficence. Fidelity is about loyalty and keeping promises, not just avoiding harm.
In summary, Option C accurately reflects the principle of veracity, which is fundamental in ensuring honesty and transparency in nursing practice. Understanding and applying these ethical principles correctly is essential for ethical decision-making and providing quality patient care.