A father of four is admitted after an automobile accident in which two of the children were killed.Recognizing that he is in very serious condition,the nurse believes that it would be appropriate to avoid telling him about the death of his children unless he asks directly.This could be considered a violation of the ethical principle of
A) beneficence.
B) fidelity.
C) justice.
D) veracity.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The ethical principle of veracity refers to the obligation to be truthful and to avoid deceiving or withholding information from patients. In this case, avoiding telling the father about the death of his children unless he asks directly would be considered a violation of the principle of veracity. While it may be considered a compassionate act to shield him from this news, ultimately it is his right to know and withholding this information could prove detrimental to his mental and emotional health in the long run.

A Father of Four Is Admitted After an Automobile Accident