Final answer:
The ethical principle compromised when only one nurse anesthetist is on call for four patients requesting epidural analgesia is justice, due to the challenge in providing equal care.
The correct option is c. Justice
Step-by-step explanation:
When four patients in labor all request epidural analgesia at the same time and only one nurse anesthetist is on call, the ethical principle that is compromised is justice. This principle addresses fair distribution of resources and treatments to all patients. As there is only one nurse anesthetist available, not all patients may receive the epidural analgesia simultaneously, leading to a challenge in providing equal care. The situation requires a decision based on prioritizing patients' needs, while considering both the ethics of care and the principles of justice, autonomy, beneficence, and non-maleficence. Healthcare professionals must engage in ethical deliberation to decide on the appropriate use of the available anesthetist's time.