nurse wants to test HIV .She discussed with a patient about HIV testing , counseling and results will not be disclosed to anyone else without expressec I consent from him .Which ethico-legal aspect should the nurse respect? a . Confidentiality C b. Informed consent c. Non-malificence d. Fidelity

The correct answer is a. Confidentiality.<br /><br />In this scenario, the nurse is discussing HIV testing, counseling, and results with the patient and ensuring that the information will not be disclosed to anyone else without the patient's expressed consent. This aligns with the ethical and legal principle of confidentiality, which requires healthcare professionals to keep patient information private and only share it with the patient's consent or as required by law.<br /><br />Confidentiality is a fundamental aspect of healthcare ethics and is essential for building trust between healthcare providers and patients. It ensures that sensitive information, such as HIV status, is protected and only shared with the patient's knowledge and consent.<br /><br />The other options, while important in healthcare ethics, do not directly address the specific aspect of the scenario described:<br /><br />b. Informed consent: This refers to the process of obtaining a patient's voluntary agreement to a medical intervention after they have been fully informed of the risks, benefits, and alternatives.<br /><br />c. Non-maleficence: This principle emphasizes the duty of healthcare professionals to do no harm and to avoid causing unnecessary suffering or injury to patients.<br /><br />d. Fidelity: This refers to the duty of healthcare professionals to be faithful to their commitments and to act in the best interests of their patients.<br /><br />In this case, the nurse's primary ethical obligation is to respect the patient's confidentiality regarding their HIV status and testing.