Veracity in nursing ethics refers to which practice?

• A. Truthfulness in information sharing.
• B. Respecting patient autonomy regardless of truth.
• C. Duty to do good.
• D. Protecting confidentiality.

Answer: (A)

Veracity means being truthful in information sharing with patients. In nursing, this means communicating diagnoses, prognoses, treatment options, risks, and uncertainties accurately and without deception. Honest communication respects the patient’s right to know what is happening and to make informed decisions about care, which builds trust and supports valid consent.

Confidentiality is about protecting private information, which is important but separate from truthfulness of the information conveyed during care. Respecting patient autonomy is about honoring a patient’s right to make decisions, and while veracity supports informed choice, it specifically addresses the honesty of the information provided. Beneficence, the duty to do good, underpins care but does not define veracity itself.