A nurse is assisting in the care of a client who has schizophrenia and is being prescribed a new antipsychotic medication. The client's parent asks the nurse not to discuss the medication side effects with the client. Which of the following ethical principles does this request violate?

A. Justice: Justice concerns fairness and equitable treatment in healthcare delivery. The parent’s request does not involve unequal distribution of resources or discriminatory care. It is unrelated to fairness in access or treatment decisions. B. Veracity: Veracity involves the obligation to tell the truth and provide accurate information. Although withholding side effects affects honesty, the primary ethical breach is not truth-telling alone but interference with the client’s decision-making rights. C. Autonomy: Autonomy refers to the client’s right to receive information necessary to make informed decisions about their care. Withholding medication side effects prevents informed consent and undermines the client’s ability to participate meaningfully in treatment decisions. This directly violates the principle of self-determination. D. Fidelity: Fidelity relates to keeping commitments and maintaining trust in professional relationships. While nurses must remain loyal to ethical practice, the situation centers on limiting the client’s informed choice rather than breaking a promise or professional duty.