The Code of Ethics outlines?

• A. The hospital budget
• B. The general values, duties, and responsibilities of nursing
• C. The legal penalties for malpractice
• D. The nursing diagnoses

Answer: (B)

The Code of Ethics centers on the fundamental moral commitments of nursing—the general values, duties, and responsibilities that guide how nurses care for patients, relate to colleagues, and serve society. It provides the ethical framework for professional decision-making, patient advocacy, confidentiality, informed consent, and accountability, helping nurses navigate conflicts between competing obligations and uphold the integrity of the profession. This is why it best describes the Code: it isn’t about financial budgets, legal penalties for malpractice, or the nursing diagnoses from the clinical process.