Question

A nurse is caring for a group of clients on a medical surgical unit. In which of the following situations does the nurse demonstrate the ethical principle of veracity?

A. The nurse withholds information about a medication's potential side effects
B. The nurse provides honest information to a client about their medical condition
C. The nurse disregards the client's request for privacy
D. The nurse tells a client that they will be discharged sooner than expected

Answer 1

The nurse upholds the ethical principle of veracity by honestly informing a patient about their medical condition, respecting their right to truthful information and facilitating informed decision-making.

Step-by-step explanation:

The nurse demonstrates the ethical principle of veracity by providing honest information to a client about their medical condition. Veracity refers to telling the truth and is a foundational element in building a trusting relationship between healthcare providers and patients. By being truthful, the nurse respects the patient's right to be informed and involved in their own care decisions.

Engaging in deception or withholding information, as per the other scenarios, contradicts this principle. For instance, withholding information about a medication's potential side effects could lead to harm, which would conflict with the principle of nonmaleficence, the obligation to not inflict harm intentionally. Furthermore, the ethical principles of care ethics and rule utilitarianism support the notion that honesty in medical practice is crucial for maintaining trust and ensuring that patients can make informed decisions about their care.