A nurse administers an incorrect medication to a client. Following an assessment of the client, the nurse determines that the client has experienced no untoward effects as a result of the medication. The nurse does not complete an incident report because no harm came to the client. Which of the following ethical principles did the nurse violate?

The correct answer is D: Veracity. Veracity refers to the principle of honesty and truthfulness. In this scenario, the nurse failed to report administering the incorrect medication, which goes against the principle of being honest and transparent about errors. Even though the client did not experience harm, it is still essential to report the mistake to ensure accountability, prevent future errors, and maintain trust in the healthcare system.

Choices A, B, and C are incorrect:
A: Confidentiality - This principle pertains to keeping client information private and does not directly apply to this situation.
B: Autonomy - Autonomy refers to respecting the client's right to make their own decisions, which is not relevant in this case.
C: Beneficence - Beneficence involves acting in the client's best interest and providing care that promotes well-being, which is not the issue here.