Nursing Jurisprudence and Ethics for Texas Nurses Practice Exam

The ethical principle of justice in nursing primarily involves ensuring fairness in treatment and resource allocation. This principle emphasizes that healthcare providers must distribute care and resources equitably among patients, without discrimination or favoritism. It aims to address issues such as access to care and the fair treatment of all patients, regardless of their background, socioeconomic status, or personal relationships.

This principle is essential in nursing practice because it underscores the importance of treating all patients with respect and dignity, advocating for vulnerable populations, and ensuring that decisions are made based on ethical considerations rather than arbitrary factors. In practice, this may include advocating for policies that ensure equitable access to healthcare services, equitable distribution of healthcare resources, and addressing healthcare disparities.

While personal relationships may influence healthcare decisions, prioritizing care based on these relationships does not align with the ethical principle of justice. Similarly, guaranteeing care for all patients regardless of available resources may be an ideal, but it does not reflect the essence of justice as it pertains to fairness in allocation. Allowing biases in decision-making outright contradicts the ethical foundation of justice, which seeks to eliminate bias and promote equitable treatment for all.