title: Ethics in the absence of truth.
abstract: Nurses are passionate about patients' rights; especially the right of all patients to full disclosure, autonomy, and decision making. When these patient rights have been violated by an absence of truth, by deception, or by lies, nurses become unwilling actors in a part they find neither wise nor ethical. This discomfort can negatively impact patient care and contributes to job dissatisfaction. This article examines real-life situations where the principle of veracity has been abused. Suggestions for resolving ethical concerns can help readers to approach similar situations in a new light.
authors: Kent State University College of Nursing, P.O. Box 5190, Kent, Ohio 44242-0001, USA. bturkosk@Kent.edu
authors: B B
authors: BB
authors: Turkoski
mesh_terms: D003657:Decision Making; D004993:Ethics, Nursing; D006801:Humans; D028701:Patient Rights; D026684:Personal Autonomy; D014342:Truth Disclosure