Veracity in nursing refers to which principle?

Veracity in nursing refers to which principle?

• A. A commitment to keep patient information confidential.
• B. A commitment to tell the truth.
• C. Fairness in resource distribution.
• D. Respect for autonomy.

Answer: (B)

Veracity means honesty in the nurse-patient relationship. In practice, this means providing accurate information to patients—explaining diagnoses, prognosis, risks, benefits, and potential outcomes so they can make informed decisions about their care. Telling the truth builds and sustains trust, supports informed consent, and respects the patient’s right to know what is happening with their health. The other concepts refer to different ethical duties: confidentiality is about keeping patient information private, justice is about fair distribution of resources, and autonomy is about honoring the patient’s right to make their own choices. Veracity specifically focuses on truthful communication.

Veracity means honesty in the nurse-patient relationship. In practice, this means providing accurate information to patients—explaining diagnoses, prognosis, risks, benefits, and potential outcomes so they can make informed decisions about their care. Telling the truth builds and sustains trust, supports informed consent, and respects the patient’s right to know what is happening with their health. The other concepts refer to different ethical duties: confidentiality is about keeping patient information private, justice is about fair distribution of resources, and autonomy is about honoring the patient’s right to make their own choices. Veracity specifically focuses on truthful communication.