Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) CBT Practice Test

The code of ethics in nursing is fundamentally a set of principles that guide nurses in their professional practice and decision-making. It emphasizes ethical obligations and the moral commitments nurses have toward their patients, colleagues, and the broader healthcare community. The code serves as a foundational document that shapes the ethical practice of nursing, ensuring that nurses are aware of their responsibilities and the standards of conduct expected within their profession.

While other options may relate to aspects of nursing practice or healthcare, they do not encapsulate what the code of ethics represents. It is not a framework for clinical guidelines; rather, it offers moral guidance that informs clinical decisions. Similarly, the code does not function as an accreditation program, which would assess the qualifications or compliance of institutions or individual practitioners against specific standards. Lastly, it is distinct from a performance evaluation plan, which typically focuses on assessing an individual nurse's job performance rather than guiding ethical considerations in practice.

In essence, the code of ethics is critical for maintaining professional integrity and promoting trust in the nursing profession, guiding nurses to act in ways that uphold the dignity, rights, and welfare of patients.