What principle did the nurse violate by disclosing a patient's infidelity to the physician?

The principle that was violated by disclosing a patient's infidelity to the physician is confidentiality. In healthcare, confidentiality refers to the obligation of healthcare providers to keep a patient's personal health information private and to share it only with other professionals involved in the patient's care or under circumstances where disclosure is ethically and legally justified. Patient trust hinges on this principle, as individuals must feel secure in sharing sensitive information with their healthcare providers without fear of it being disclosed inappropriately.

When a nurse reveals details about a patient's infidelity, they breach this trust and fail to uphold their ethical responsibility to protect the patient's private information. This action can lead to significant repercussions for the patient, potentially impacting their personal relationships and overall well-being. It also undermines the therapeutic relationship that is important for effective care.

While civil liability could be a concern in cases of inappropriate disclosure, and the nurse-patient contract might touch on confidentiality, the most direct principle that was violated in this scenario is confidentiality itself. Privacy generally speaks to the broader right of individuals to control their personal information; however, it is the breach of confidentiality that reflects the failure to maintain the appropriate standard of care and trust in the nurse-patient relationship.