Which ethical principle is defined as telling the truth?

The principle of veracity is fundamentally rooted in the concept of truth-telling. In the context of healthcare and pharmacy practice, veracity involves providing accurate and honest information to patients and stakeholders. This principle is crucial for establishing trust in the practitioner-patient relationship, as patients rely on their healthcare providers to give them truthful guidance regarding their medications, potential side effects, treatment options, and overall health.

By adhering to veracity, pharmacists and healthcare professionals ensure that patients are fully informed, enabling them to make educated decisions about their health and treatment plans. This concept not only promotes transparency but also respects the rights of patients to receive truthful information about their care.

The other options, while significant ethical principles, focus on different aspects of patient care and professional conduct. Fidelity emphasizes loyalty and keeping promises, beneficence pertains to acting in the best interest of the patient, and autonomy centers on respecting a patient's right to make informed decisions about their own health care.