In the emergency department a client feels that she has been waiting l

In the emergency department a client feels that she has been waiting longer than the other indi-viduals due to the fact that she has no insurance. The ethical principle that is involved in this ex-act situation is:

1. Justice
2. Autonomy
3. Beneficence
4. Nonmaleficence

ANSWER

ANS: 1
Justice refers to treating people fairly. Allocation of resources and access to health care involves the ethical principle of justice. The client without medical insurance should not have to wait longer to receive health care than those with insurance. Autonomy refers to a person’s independ-ence. Autonomy represents an agreement to respect another’s right to determine a course of ac-tion. Beneficence refers to taking positive actions to help others. Nonmaleficence refers to the avoidance of harm or hurt.