Justice requires what in nursing care?

• A. respecting patient autonomy
• B. the nurse must deliver fair and equal treatment to all patients
• C. the duties of a physician
• D. the obligation to do no harm

Answer: (B)

Justice in nursing care means treating every patient fairly and impartially, ensuring that care and access to resources are provided based on need and not on personal characteristics like race, gender, or socioeconomic status. In practice, this requires applying policies consistently, advocating for those with fewer advantages, and making triage or resource decisions using fair criteria. It centers on equal treatment across all patients, which is why delivering fair and equal care to everyone best captures this principle.

Keep in mind that respecting patient autonomy is about honoring each patient’s right to make their own decisions, and doing no harm refers to nonmaleficence. The duties of a physician fall outside the nursing scope.