Nursing Jurisprudence and Ethics for Texas Nurses Practice Exam

What ethical principle relates to fairness and equality in patient care?

1. Beneficence

2. Autonomy

3. Justice

4. Nonmaleficence

The correct answer is: Justice

The principle that relates to fairness and equality in patient care is justice. Justice in healthcare means that patients should receive fair and equal treatment regardless of their background, circumstances, or characteristics. This principle emphasizes the importance of distributing healthcare resources equitably and ensuring that individuals have access to the care they need. It highlights that all patients deserve to be treated with impartiality and that their rights to receive appropriate medical attention should be upheld without discrimination. In the context of nursing ethics, adherence to justice means advocating for policies and practices that eliminate disparities in healthcare, ensuring that vulnerable populations receive care that meets their specific needs. This principle guides nurses in making decisions about resource allocation, patient access to services, and in addressing broader social determinants of health that impact care. The other principles listed focus on different aspects of ethical practice. Beneficence refers to the obligation to act in the best interest of the patient, while autonomy emphasizes respecting a patient's right to make their own decisions. Nonmaleficence highlights the duty to do no harm. Each of these principles plays a vital role in nursing ethics, but when discussing fairness and equality, justice is the key concept.