A new nurse observes a medication error. To implement the ethical principle of veracity, what should they do?

To implement the ethical principle of veracity, which emphasizes truth-telling and honesty in communication, a nurse should document the error and inform the charge nurse. This action ensures that the medication error is officially recorded and that appropriate measures can be taken to address any potential consequences. Informing the charge nurse allows for the necessary interventions to be put in place, including notifying the healthcare team and possibly the patient, depending on the situation's context.

This approach aligns with the ethical responsibilities of healthcare providers to maintain transparency and accountability regarding patient safety and care outcomes. It also fosters a culture of learning and improvement within the healthcare setting, enabling the team to prevent future errors and enhance overall patient care. Implementing this principle helps build trust among colleagues and reinforces the importance of addressing mistakes openly rather than concealing them.