Final answer:
A nurse action that constitutes a legal issue could be violating patient confidentiality, while an example of an ethical principle is the principle of nonmaleficence, which involves avoiding intentional harm.
Step-by-step explanation:
An action by the nurse that is an example of a legal issue rather than an ethical principle could be violating a patient's legal rights, such as breaching patient confidentiality or not adhering to informed consent laws. Legal issues involve actions that are governed by formal laws and regulations, which have clearly defined consequences and are enforceable in a court of law. In comparison, ethical principles are more about moral judgment and professional conduct, such as the principle of nonmaleficence, which refers to the obligation to not inflict harm intentionally.
For instance, if a nurse reports a confidential patient detail without consent or legal requirement, this is a legal issue because it violates privacy laws. On the other hand, a nurse deciding to administer a lower dose of pain medication than prescribed, based on their personal belief that the patient may develop an addiction, may be seen as an ethical issue related to nonmaleficence, as it could cause harm by not adequately managing the patient's pain.