Which of the following is NOT one of the seven principles of the Code of Ethics?

• A. Autonomy
• B. Compassion
• C. Fidelity
• D. Veracity

Answer: (B)

Understanding nursing ethics means recognizing the standard ethical principles that guide decision-making. Among the principles commonly cited in the Code of Ethics, autonomy respects a patient’s right to make informed choices; fidelity involves keeping promises and maintaining trust; and veracity is about telling the truth. Compassion, while essential to compassionate care and the nurse–patient relationship, is not listed as one of the seven formal principles in the Code. The seven typically recognized principles include autonomy, beneficence, nonmaleficence, justice, fidelity, veracity, and accountability (or confidentiality). So the term that does not belong to that formal set is compassion, even though it remains a valued quality in practice.