Which action best supports ethical response to observed discriminatory practices in nursing care?

• A. Identify biased behaviors, document incidents, report to leadership or ethics committees, and advocate for equitable care.
• B. Ignore subtle bias to avoid escalating tension.
• C. Blame the patient for experiencing discrimination.
• D. Delay action until formal complaint arises.

Answer: (A)

Addressing discrimination in nursing care requires recognizing biased behaviors, documenting what happened, and escalating concerns to leadership or an ethics committee, followed by advocating for equitable care. This approach aligns with the nurse’s duty to advocate for patients, uphold justice, and be accountable for the care provided. By identifying bias, you create awareness of patterns and ensure that actions are based on factual events. Thorough documentation—dates, times, what occurred, who was involved, and the impact on care—provides a reliable basis for follow-up and corrective measures. Reporting to the appropriate channels brings in those who can review policies, provide education, and implement changes to prevent recurrence. Advocating for equitable treatment then translates that awareness into concrete steps that protect the patient’s rights and promote fair care for all individuals.

Choosing to ignore subtle bias, blaming the patient, or delaying action fails to protect patients or meet professional responsibilities. Those responses tolerate harm, undermine trust, and do not contribute to improvements in care or policy.