A nurse administers an incorrect medication to a client and does not complete an incident report because the client experienced no adverse effects. Which ethical principle did the nurse violate?

Choice A reason: Veracity refers to truthfulness and honesty in professional practice. By failing to complete an incident report, the nurse is not being truthful about the error, even though the client experienced no harm. This violates ethical standards of transparency, accountability, and professional integrity. Reporting errors is essential to prevent future harm, facilitate organizational learning, and uphold ethical practice. Choice B reason: Confidentiality involves protecting a client’s private health information. The scenario does not indicate a breach of privacy; the ethical violation is related to truthfulness, not confidentiality. Choice C reason: Beneficence is the ethical principle of promoting good and preventing harm. While the nurse may have intended to avoid unnecessary alarm by not reporting, the action actually undermines safety and organizational procedures, which could lead to harm in the future. However, the primary violation is veracity, not beneficence. Choice D reason: Autonomy concerns respecting a client’s right to make informed decisions about their care. The nurse’s failure to report does not directly infringe on the client’s autonomy. The issue is centered on honesty and accountability.