What is the primary purpose of the Nursing Code of Ethics for Professional Registered Nurses?

• A. Protects the patient’s confidentiality
• B. Improves self-health care
• C. Defines the principles of right and wrong to provide patient care
• D. Ensures identical care to all patients

Answer: (C)

The main idea tested is that the Nursing Code of Ethics provides the standards and obligations that guide professional nursing practice, offering a framework for ethical decision-making and accountability to patients and the public. This makes the option that describes defining the principles that guide how nurses care for patients the best fit, because the Code is about knowing what is morally right and wrong in nursing actions and how to act consistently with those values. It isn’t focused on privacy alone, though confidentiality is part of ethical care. It also isn’t about improving a nurse’s own health, nor about giving identical care to every patient, since ethical practice requires respecting each patient’s unique needs and rights while upholding fairness and dignity.