Define veracity.

• A. Conformity to facts; accuracy: the veracity of the story, or Habitual truthfulness: his veracity and character.
• B. Conformity to facts; accuracy.
• C. Habitual truthfulness.
• D. Veracity means confidentiality.

Answer: (A)

Veracity means truthfulness and accuracy. It involves two aspects: the information itself being true and conforming to facts (accuracy), and the person delivering it being trustworthy and truthful (habitual truthfulness). In nursing, this matters because patients rely on honest, precise information to make informed decisions and trusts the clinician’s integrity. The best definition captures both pieces—the factual accuracy of statements and the speaker’s truthful character. The other options fall short because they cover only one aspect each (factual accuracy or habitual truthfulness) or mix in confidentiality, which isn’t part of veracity.