When a nurse makes a mistake while providing care, the nurse should be transparent with the patient; however, the nurse manager (and likely the Risk Management department) should be informed first. The act of apologizing does not change the legal consequences of the act, since the action is documented. Studies have shown that most patients appreciate this candor and are even less likely to sue for malpractice when they receive a prompt and heartfelt apology. Transparency both to the nurse manager and to the patient is the ethically responsible act.