Which value describes the nurse's accountability?

• A. Autonomy
• B. Accountability
• C. Altruism
• D. Association

Answer: (B)

Accountability means being answerable for your actions and the outcomes of the care you provide. In nursing, this includes following professional standards, keeping your skills up to date, documenting care accurately, and reporting or reflecting on errors to prevent harm in the future. You may act with autonomy, making independent clinical decisions, but you still bear the responsibility for what results from those decisions. Altruism is about selfless concern for others and guiding compassionate behavior, not about taking responsibility for actions. Association refers to being connected with others or groups, not a descriptor of accountability. So, the nurse’s accountability is described by accountability itself. For example, if a medication error occurs, being accountable means acknowledging the error, reporting it, and participating in corrective actions to improve safety, regardless of intent.