A nurse is reviewing ethical principles with a newly licensed nurse. The nurse should include which of the following as an ethical principle?

Choice A reason: Beneficence is an ethical principle in nursing, emphasizing actions that promote the well-being of patients. It involves providing care that benefits the client, balancing risks and benefits, and is fundamental to ethical practice, making this the correct choice. Choice B reason: Duty to warn is a legal obligation to protect others from harm, not a core ethical principle. It arises in specific situations, like threats of violence, but is not a foundational ethical concept like beneficence, making this choice incorrect. Choice C reason: HIPAA is a legal regulation protecting patient privacy, not an ethical principle. While it guides confidentiality practices, it is a legal framework, not a moral principle like beneficence, which drives ethical decision-making, making this choice incorrect. Choice D reason: Informed consent is a process ensuring patients understand treatments, rooted in the ethical principle of autonomy. It is not an ethical principle itself but a practice, making this choice incorrect compared to beneficence.