Final answer:
Nurses fail to provide equitable care if they give preferential treatment based on economic status, which contributes to health disparities and is against the principle of justice in healthcare.
Step-by-step explanation:
The nursing action indicative of a failure to provide equitable care to patients is when the nurse provides preferential treatment to patients from low economic status. This action violates the principle of justice in healthcare, which insists that the distribution of health care should be equitable or fair. Treating patients differently based on economic status can contribute to health disparities and is contrary to initiatives such as Healthy People 2020, which aims to eliminate gender and race disparities in health care. While it's essential to consider the specific needs of all populations, care should be based on the individual needs of patients and not on their socioeconomic status alone.
Addressing issues like systemic inequality in economics, housing, and the health care system as well as health education and health literacy are critical steps in reducing health disparities. This work is necessary to ensure that those who face disadvantages due to economic status, race, or other social determinants can still access the high quality of care necessary for good health. Medical professionals and institutions need to work towards a system where care is not only accessible but also provided equitably across different segments of society.