Which statement describes the meaning of justice?

Which statement describes the meaning of justice?

• A. Fair treatment in matters related to physical and psychological care and use of resources
• B. Ability to decide for others
• C. Doing no harm
• D. Keeping appointment promises

Answer: (A)

Justice is about fairness in how care and resources are distributed. In nursing, this means treating every patient equitably, giving appropriate care and access to resources based on need rather than bias, status, or personal characteristics. The statement describing fair treatment in both physical and psychological care and the use of resources best captures this idea, as it emphasizes equal consideration and non-discriminatory practices in delivering care. Other options point to different ethical duties. Deciding for others reflects guiding or overriding a patient’s preferences, which is not about fairness in distribution of care. Doing no harm focuses on preventing injury or suffering, and keeping appointment promises relates to reliability and trust. These are important, but they describe other aspects of ethical nursing, not the principle of fairness in care and resource allocation.

Justice is about fairness in how care and resources are distributed. In nursing, this means treating every patient equitably, giving appropriate care and access to resources based on need rather than bias, status, or personal characteristics. The statement describing fair treatment in both physical and psychological care and the use of resources best captures this idea, as it emphasizes equal consideration and non-discriminatory practices in delivering care.

Other options point to different ethical duties. Deciding for others reflects guiding or overriding a patient’s preferences, which is not about fairness in distribution of care. Doing no harm focuses on preventing injury or suffering, and keeping appointment promises relates to reliability and trust. These are important, but they describe other aspects of ethical nursing, not the principle of fairness in care and resource allocation.