Which of the following is NOT listed among the ethical principles provided: confidentiality, veracity, justice, beneficence, autonomy?

• A. Nonmaleficence
• B. Confidentiality
• C. Veracity
• D. Justice

Answer: (A)

Nonmaleficence means doing no harm, a foundational principle in nursing ethics. In many frameworks, it sits with autonomy, beneficence, and justice as core principles, with veracity and confidentiality often described as essential professional commitments tied to trust and truthful patient interactions. The list provided includes confidentiality, veracity, justice, beneficence, and autonomy; nonmaleficence is not among them, so it’s the principle that isn’t listed.

To connect the others: confidentiality protects patient privacy, veracity is truth-telling, justice is fairness, beneficence is acting for the patient’s benefit, and autonomy is respecting the patient’s right to make their own decisions.