ATI Leadership Practice A Related

Review ATI Leadership Practice A related questions and content

An RN cared for a state senator during the day shift. Later that day he was having dinner with friends when the news mentioned the senator had been hospitalized. The RN’s friends asked if he knew what was wrong with the senator. Which ethical principle should the RN consider when replying?

  • A. Fidelity
  • B. Confidentiality
  • C. Veracity
  • D. Accountability
Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Confidentiality. The RN should consider confidentiality when replying to his friends about the senator's condition. By maintaining confidentiality, the RN upholds the trust and privacy of the senator's medical information. Sharing such information breaches the ethical duty to protect patient privacy.

A: Fidelity pertains to being faithful and loyal to one's commitments, not directly related to this situation.
C: Veracity refers to truthfulness and honesty, but in this case, maintaining confidentiality takes precedence over disclosing the truth to friends.
D: Accountability involves taking responsibility for one's actions, which is not the primary ethical principle at play in this scenario.