What does the principle of justice primarily address?

• A. Fairness in resource distribution and access.
• B. Including patients in decisions about care.
• C. Keeping promises to patients.
• D. Avoiding harm.

Answer: (A)

Justice in nursing ethics centers on fairness in how resources are distributed and who has access to care. It requires treating people equitably, prioritizing those in greatest need when resources are limited, and ensuring decisions aren’t biased by personal characteristics. In practice, justice guides how medications, beds, and services are allocated and promotes equal access for all patients. This differs from autonomy, which focuses on respecting a patient’s own choices; fidelity, which involves keeping promises; and nonmaleficence, which centers on avoiding harm. So fairness in resource distribution and access is what justice primarily addresses.