Which of the following best defines ethics in nursing?

Ethics in nursing primarily refers to the understanding of what constitutes right and wrong conduct in the context of patient care and professional obligations. This encompasses the principles that guide nurses in their decision-making processes, ensuring that they act in the best interest of their patients while adhering to legal and professional standards. This involves evaluating situations, considering the implications of actions, and making decisions that support patients' dignity, rights, and well-being.

While knowledge of nursing procedures and techniques, understanding patient history, and the ability to administer medications are all vital skills for effective nursing practice, these aspects do not capture the moral principles that underpin ethical decision-making. Ethics is fundamentally about the values and beliefs that guide a nurse's actions and interactions with patients, colleagues, and the healthcare system as a whole. Therefore, the definition that speaks to understanding the nuances of right and wrong conduct aligns closely with the core of nursing ethics.