Which term describes the obligation to answer for one's nursing actions?

• A. Accountability
• B. Privacy
• C. Consent
• D. Ethics

Answer: (A)

Accountability is the obligation to answer for one’s nursing actions. It means you are personally responsible for the decisions you make, the care you provide, and the outcomes that result, and you must be able to justify them to patients, families, employers, and regulatory bodies. This includes owning mistakes, documenting accurately, seeking guidance when unsure, and taking corrective action when errors occur. This concept is distinct from privacy, which concerns protecting patient information; consent, which is obtaining permission for care; and ethics, the broader moral principles guiding practice. For example, if a nurse notices a potential medication error, accountability drives you to verify the order, communicate concerns, and report the issue promptly rather than ignore it.