Parents of an adolescent client experiencing a relapse of leukemia do not want the client to know about the relapse. Which of the following ethical principles must a nurse consider when the client asks about their medical status?

A. Fidelity: Fidelity refers to the responsibility to maintain trust and uphold promises made to clients. While important, the core issue in this case is not about fulfilling prior commitments but rather about responding truthfully to a direct question from the adolescent regarding their medical condition. B. Authority: Authority is the recognized power to make decisions or enforce obedience, typically within a professional or legal framework. In this situation, the ethical dilemma is not related to decision-making power but centers on the nurse's obligation to provide honest communication. C. Justice: Justice emphasizes fairness and equitable treatment of all clients in healthcare settings. Although justice is critical to ethical practice, the specific challenge here involves answering truthfully when asked about a relapse, rather than issues of equitable treatment or distribution of care. D. Veracity: Veracity demands honesty and transparency when communicating with clients about their health. When the adolescent directly questions the nurse about their medical status, veracity obligates the nurse to provide truthful and accurate information, respecting the client's right to know.