A nurse explains all potential side effects of a medication before administering it Which ethical principle is being followed?

Choice A reason: Autonomy refers to the right of the patient to make their own healthcare decisions based on their personal values and beliefs. While providing information supports the exercise of autonomy, the specific act of the nurse being truthful and providing full disclosure is defined by a different principle. Choice B reason: Fidelity involves the professional obligation to be faithful to commitments and promises made to patients. It focuses on the nurse-patient relationship and the duty to provide competent care. It does not specifically address the honest disclosure of medication risks or side effects to the client. Choice C reason: Veracity is the ethical principle of truth-telling. In nursing practice, this requires the clinician to provide comprehensive, accurate, and objective information. By explaining all potential side effects, the nurse ensures the patient is fully informed, which is the foundational requirement for the principle of veracity. Choice D reason: Accountability is the willingness of the healthcare provider to take responsibility for their own actions and professional judgments. While a nurse is accountable for the information they provide, the principle describing the obligation to speak truthfully about medication risks is specifically categorized as veracity.