What is the primary ethical principle involved in the duty to maintain patient confidentiality?

The primary ethical principle involved in the duty to maintain patient confidentiality is fidelity. This principle emphasizes the importance of keeping promises and commitments, which in a healthcare context translates to honoring the trust that patients place in healthcare providers. Maintaining confidentiality is a crucial aspect of the nurse-patient relationship, as it ensures that sensitive information shared by patients during their care is protected. This builds trust, encourages open communication, and ultimately enhances the quality of care provided.

In the context of ethical nursing practice, fidelity also involves upholding professional standards, which include patient confidentiality. When healthcare providers adhere to this principle, they demonstrate respect for the patient's privacy and autonomy, thereby fostering a therapeutic environment. Fidelity obligates nurses to safeguard any information that could identify a patient and to ensure that it is shared only within the bounds of appropriate professional disclosure, such as with other members of the healthcare team when necessary for the patient's care.

In contrast, the other ethical principles mentioned—such as nonmaleficence, which focuses on avoiding harm; autonomy, which emphasizes respecting the patient’s rights to make their own decisions; and justice, which pertains to fairness and equality in care—do not specifically address the duty to maintain confidentiality as effectively as fidelity does. Therefore, fidelity is the most relevant