Integrity is described as

• A. Fostering the potential of every individual through sensitivity, social justice and cultural competence.
• B. The obligation to mentor others and contribute to the educational community.
• C. Acting with honesty, fairness, and sincerity in all endeavors with an ethical and professional manner.
• D. The commitment to maintain professionalism through continuous learning.

Answer: (C)

Integrity means acting with honesty, fairness, and sincerity in all endeavors, guided by ethical and professional standards. In nursing, this translates to telling the truth to patients and families, protecting confidentiality, admitting mistakes, and keeping promises. When clinicians demonstrate integrity, it builds trust with patients, families, and the health-care team and supports accountability and high-quality care. Because integrity centers on consistent ethical behavior across situations, it best fits the description of operating in an ethical and professional manner with honesty and fairness.

The other descriptions point to related professional values—advocacy and cultural competence, mentoring and contributing to education, and commitment to ongoing learning—but they describe different aspects of professionalism rather than integrity itself.