Which of the following ethical principles is intended to promote fair and equitable treatment for all patient… - UPUMS Nsg officer-2023

UPUMS Nsg officer-2023

Fundamental of Nursing

Easy

Appeared in: UPUMS Nsg officer-2023

Explanation

The principle of Justice is centered on fairness and equality in healthcare.
It mandates that nurses and healthcare providers treat all patients equitably, without discrimination based on factors like socioeconomic status, race, or religion.
Justice also involves the fair allocation of scarce healthcare resources, such as ICU beds or organ transplants.
This principle ensures that care is distributed based on need, not on social or economic advantage.

Option A: Non-maleficence is the principle of 'do no harm'. Its focus is on avoiding actions that could injure or harm the patient, not on ensuring fairness or equity in treatment distribution.
Option B: Beneficence is the principle of 'doing good'. It compels healthcare providers to act in the best interests of the patient. While a positive principle, it does not specifically address the concept of fairness or equitable distribution of care among all patients.
Option D: Autonomy is the principle of respecting a patient's right to make their own decisions about their health. It focuses on self-determination and informed consent, not on the fair treatment of all patients by the system.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: Knowing Ethical Principles in Nursing helps nurses interpret findings accurately and avoid errors in routine assessment, medication administration, and patient teaching.
In daily practice, nurses apply the principle of justice by advocating for all their patients to receive the same high standard of care, regardless of their background, insurance status, or personal characteristics.
This principle becomes critical in public health emergencies or mass casualty incidents, where nurses must make difficult decisions about allocating limited resources (like ventilators or medications) fairly and ethically.
What if? If a nurse has two patients needing a single dose of a scarce medication, one a wealthy executive and the other homeless, the principle of justice dictates the decision should be based on clinical need (who would benefit most or is in more critical condition), not their social status.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the key concept in the question stem, which is 'fair and equitable treatment'.
Next, recall the definitions of the four ethical principles provided in the options.
Define each term: Non-maleficence (do no harm), Beneficence (do good), Justice (fairness), and Autonomy (self-determination).
Compare the key concept from the stem ('fair and equitable') with the definitions of the options.
Select the option whose definition most closely matches the question's concept. 'Justice' directly corresponds to fairness and equity.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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E6 Nursing Education & Educational TechnologySuresh k Sharma (pp 21-557 of 572) p. 486-488