Question

A nurse on a mental health unit is caring for a group of clients. Which of the following actions by the nurse is an example of the ethical principle of justice? A) Allowing a client to choose which unit activities to attend B) Attempting alternative therapies instead of restraints for a client who is combative C) Providing a client with accurate information about his prognosis D) Spending adequate time with a client who is verbally abusive

Answer 1

The nurse providing a client with accurate information about their prognosis exemplifies the ethical principle of justice.

Step-by-step explanation:

The ethical principle of justice in nursing refers to the fair and equitable treatment of patients. In the given options, the action that best exemplifies the principle of justice is option C) Providing a client with accurate information about his prognosis.

By providing accurate information about the client's prognosis, the nurse ensures that the client is able to make informed decisions about their own health care. This promotes fairness and equality in the patient's treatment and respects their autonomy.

Answer 2

The ethical principle of justice in healthcare demands equitable treatment of all patients. A nurse on a mental health unit demonstrating this principle would be spending adequate time with all clients, including those who are verbally abusive, ensuring fair and unbiased attention.

Step-by-step explanation:

The ethical principle of justice in healthcare ensures that treatment and care are provided equitably and fairly to all patients, without preferences or discrimination. In a mental health unit, an example of a nurse demonstrating the principle of justice would be spending adequate time with a client who is verbally abusive. This action shows that the nurse is providing equal care and attention to all clients, regardless of their behavior, aligning with the idea that similar cases should be treated similarly.

In contrast to the principle of justice, allowing a client to choose activities or providing accurate prognosis information involves the autonomy principle, where patients are given the freedom to make choices about their care. Attempting alternatives to restraints is more related to the principles of nonmaleficence and beneficence, aiming to avoid harm and to do good for the patient.