When a nurse uses personal discretion to share patient information with colleagues without consent which ethical principle is violated?

Choice A reason: Nonmaleficence is the principle of "do no harm." While a breach of privacy could potentially lead to harm (such as social stigma), the primary principle specifically governing the protection of private information is confidentiality. Nonmaleficence is a broader concept usually applied to physical procedures or the withholding of harmful treatments. Choice B reason: Confidentiality is the specific ethical and legal duty to safeguard a patient's private information. Sharing data with colleagues who are not part of the patient's direct care team—even if done with good intentions—is a violation of the patient's trust and a breach of professional standards established by HIPAA and nursing codes of ethics. Choice C reason: Beneficence requires the nurse to act in ways that benefit the patient. Sharing information without consent rarely benefits the patient and usually only serves the curiosity or convenience of the healthcare workers. Therefore, this action is a failure to uphold the nurse's duty to protect the patient's interests and privacy. Choice D reason: Justice refers to fairness and the equitable distribution of care and resources. It ensures that all patients receive the same quality of care regardless of their background. While a privacy breach is a serious ethical failure, it is not primarily a violation of the principle of justice unless information is being selectively leaked to cause inequity.