Which term serves as the overarching ethical guidance for nursing that is formalized?

• A. Healthcare Laws
• B. Code of Ethics
• C. Mistreatment
• D. Elder Abuse

Answer: (B)

The main idea here is recognizing the formal guide that shapes how nurses act ethically across all practice. A Code of Ethics is a formal document that lays out the core principles and standards for professional conduct in nursing. It describes duties to patients like respecting their autonomy, protecting confidentiality, advocating for those who can’t advocate for themselves, and acting with honesty and integrity. This framework gives nurses a consistent reference for ethical decision-making in any situation, helping to preserve trust in the nurse-patient relationship and in the profession as a whole.

Healthcare laws govern legal rights and obligations and set consequences for violations, but they aren’t the same as the ethical guide that defines professional behavior. Mistreatment and elder abuse describe harmful actions or situations, not the overall ethical framework nurses use to guide their decisions. By aligning actions with the Code of Ethics, nurses apply the profession’s values in everyday care and when facing ethical dilemmas, ensuring care that is respectful, fair, and patient-centered.