Which term describes the obligation to keep promises and be truthful within professional practice?

• A. Fidelity
• B. Autonomy
• C. Beneficence
• D. Justice

Answer: (A)

Fidelity is the obligation to keep promises and be truthful in professional practice. In nursing, trust is foundational: patients rely on nurses to be loyal to their commitments, speak honestly, and follow through on what was promised. This means telling the truth when discussing diagnoses, risks, and options, honoring agreements about care plans, and safeguarding confidentiality. When fidelity is upheld, patients feel secure, understood, and confident that the care team will act consistently with their best interests.

Autonomy focuses on respecting a patient’s right to make their own decisions. Beneficence is about acting to do good and prevent harm. Justice concerns fair and equitable treatment. While these are essential ethical duties, they describe different aspects of professional responsibility and do not specifically capture the promise-keeping and truthfulness at the heart of fidelity.