The ethical principle of veracity requires that:
- A- we respect the rights of others to make choices.
- B- we act with honesty, without deception.
- C- we avoid, remove or prevent harm.
- D- we do good to patients.
- E- we act with fairness.
The most accurate answer to what the ethical principle of veracity requires is: B. We act with honesty, without deception.
Here's why the other options are not as closely aligned with veracity:
A. We respect the rights of others to make choices:
While respecting autonomy is related to veracity, it's not the core meaning of the principle. Veracity specifically focuses on truthfulness and avoiding deception.
C. We avoid, remove or prevent harm:
This principle aligns more with non-maleficence, which emphasizes do no harm. Although truthful communication can play a role in preventing harm, it's not the sole purpose of veracity.
D. We do good to patients:
This falls under the principle of beneficence, which focuses on actively doing good and promoting patient well-being. Veracity, while important for patient care, doesn't solely focus on doing good but on truthfulness and transparency.
E. We act with fairness:
Fairness relates to justice and equitable treatment, not directly to truthfulness or avoiding deception.
Ethical Principle of Veracity:
Therefore, acting with honesty and avoiding deception is the essential characteristic of the ethical principle of veracity. This applies to various aspects of healthcare, including:
- Providing accurate and complete information to patients.
- Maintaining confidentiality of patient information.
- Being truthful in communication with colleagues and other healthcare professionals.
- Admitting mistakes and errors honestly.
Veracity is a fundamental principle for building trust and maintaining ethical relationships in healthcare and other professions.
