What is one of the critical ethical principles in nursing practice?

Confidentiality is a fundamental ethical principle in nursing practice. It relates to the responsibility of nurses to protect the privacy of patients and safeguard their health information. This principle ensures that personal and sensitive information shared by patients is not disclosed without their consent, fostering trust between patients and healthcare providers.

When patients feel confident that their information will be kept confidential, they are more likely to share essential details about their health and history, which is crucial for accurate diagnosis and effective care. Upholding confidentiality is not only a requirement of ethical nursing practice but is also mandated by legal standards and regulations regarding patient privacy.

The other choices do not represent core ethical principles in nursing. Cost-effectiveness, while important in healthcare delivery, does not directly address patient rights or ethical obligations. Hierarchy in healthcare pertains more to organizational structure rather than ethical considerations. Profit maximization contradicts the primary focus of nursing, which is patient care and welfare, making it incompatible with ethical nursing practice.