A nurse caring for a patient with neurological impairment often must use painful stimuli to pressure. She neither slaps the patient nor pinches the nipple to elicit a response to pain. In this scenario, the nurse is exemplifying the ethical principle of

Rationale: A. Veracity is incorrect because it refers to truth-telling. While honesty is important in nursing, this scenario focuses on minimizing harm during patient assessment, not communication. B. Autonomy is incorrect because autonomy refers to respecting a patient’s right to make their own decisions. The patient in this scenario may be unable to exercise autonomy due to neurological impairment, and the focus is on safe care rather than decision-making. C. Fidelity is incorrect because fidelity involves faithfulness or keeping promises. While nurses have a duty to provide care, this scenario specifically highlights avoiding harm, not promise-keeping. D. Nonmaleficence is correct because it is the ethical principle of “do no harm.” The nurse avoids causing unnecessary pain by not using overly harsh or inappropriate stimuli, ensuring that assessment is performed safely while minimizing harm to the patient.