A nurse is caring for an older adult client whom the nurse suspects has experienced abuse by a nonpartner. Which of the following principles does the nurse demonstrate by reporting their concern to a supervisor?

A. Accountability: Reporting suspected abuse demonstrates accountability because the nurse is taking responsibility for protecting the client’s safety and well-being. Nurses are legally and ethically obligated to report suspected abuse. B. Ethical decision-making: The act of formally reporting reflects professional accountability more directly. Ethical decision-making is broader, encompassing weighing moral principles, whereas accountability focuses on the duty to act. C. Social justice: Social justice emphasizes fair treatment and equal access to care, often addressing systemic inequalities. While reporting abuse aligns with protecting vulnerable populations, the principle in action here is the nurse’s accountability to safeguard the client. D. Trusting relationships: Establishing trust is important in client care, but reporting suspected abuse may temporarily strain trust with the client. The nurse’s primary duty in this case is ensuring safety, which is rooted in accountability rather than trust-building.