Which statement best reflects justice in nursing ethics?

• A. No discrimination and just allocation of resources
• B. Discriminating based on age is acceptable
• C. No discrimination and just allocation of resources
• D. Providing care only to those who can pay

Answer: (C)

Justice in nursing ethics centers on fairness and equity. It means treating patients without bias and distributing resources in a way that reflects need, not status or wealth. When a statement emphasizes no discrimination and fair allocation of resources, it aligns with distributive justice: every patient should receive appropriate care and access to essential services, regardless of age, background, or ability to pay. Discrimination based on age or restricting care to those who can pay create inequities and undermine ethical nursing practice. In real-world care, decisions about who receives limited resources should be guided by clinical need, potential benefit, and urgency, not personal characteristics or financial means.