What it means
One of the core principles of health care ethicsETH-iksThe study of right and wrong, and the principles that guide good conduct and decisions.eth/o custom, character-ics the study ofFull entry . It means giving every client the same quality of care regardless of age, race, income, gender, religion, diagnosis or other traits, and distributing limited resources, such as nurses' time, beds or organs, in a fair and consistent way. Policies such as triage rules and organ waiting lists apply this principle.
For the nurse
On the exam, choices about fair treatment, equal access or how to share scarce resources usually test justice.
At a glance
| Spanish | justicia |
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Related terms
autonomy
A person's right to make their own choices about their body and their care.
ethics
The study of right and wrong, and the principles that guide good conduct and decisions.
health disparity
A difference in health, illness or access to care between groups of people that is linked to social, economic or environmental disadvantage.
beneficence
The ethical principle of doing good and acting in the client's best interest.
nonmaleficence
The ethical principle of doing no harm to the client.