A nurse is working with an outreach program to provide medical care to underserved communities. Which of the following ethical principles is violated when there is unequal allocation of medical services in a community?
Distributive justice
Respect for autonomy
Beneficence
Nonmaleficence
The Correct Answer is A
Rationale:
A. Distributive justice refers to the fair and equitable distribution of resources, benefits, and services across a population. Unequal allocation of medical services in a community violates this principle because certain groups do not receive access to necessary care, which is an ethical concern in public health and community nursing. Distributive justice is central to addressing health disparities and promoting equity in healthcare delivery.
B. Respect for autonomy involves honoring an individual’s right to make informed decisions about their own healthcare. While important, unequal allocation of services is not a direct violation of autonomy unless clients are coerced or denied informed choice.
C. Beneficence involves acting in the best interest of the client to promote good. Although unequal access may reduce opportunities for beneficent care, the principle itself is about the nurse’s actions toward clients, not resource distribution at the community level.
D. Nonmaleficence is the principle of avoiding harm. While insufficient care could indirectly cause harm, the primary ethical violation in unequal allocation is related to fairness and equity, which is addressed by distributive justice.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["A","C"]
Explanation
Rationale:
A. Extension cords placed across walkways create significant tripping hazards, especially for older adults, clients with mobility impairments, or those using assistive devices. Falls are a leading cause of injury in the home, and the presence of cords in high-traffic areas greatly increases this risk. The nurse should recommend securing the cord along the wall, using cord covers, or rerouting the cord to eliminate the hazard entirely.
B. This is a positive safety feature. Rubber-backed mats provide traction, reducing the likelihood of slipping when exiting the shower or tub, which is a common site for falls. This finding does not require intervention.
C. Water at 130° F can cause first-degree burns in as little as 2–5 seconds, posing a high risk for children, older adults, or clients with sensory deficits. The recommended safe water temperature is 49° C (120° F) or lower. The nurse should instruct the client to adjust the thermostat to this safe level to prevent scald injuries.
D. Carpeted flooring can reduce the risk of slips on smooth surfaces and provide cushioning in case of falls. This is generally a safety-promoting feature, not a hazard. No action is required.
E. Low-level lighting, such as a night light, enhances visibility during nighttime movements, reducing the risk of falls or accidents when navigating the room. This is a positive safety measure, not a hazard.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Rationale:
A. Inactivated poliovirus is incorrect because polio is now extremely rare in most countries due to widespread childhood immunization. Adults are typically vaccinated only if they have never received a full childhood series or are traveling to regions where polio remains endemic. Routine vaccination for older adults is not indicated.
B. Zoster is correct because older adults are at increased risk for herpes zoster (shingles) due to age-related decline in cell-mediated immunity. The CDC recommends the recombinant zoster vaccine (Shingrix) for adults aged 50 years and older, administered in two doses, to prevent shingles and postherpetic neuralgia, which can cause chronic pain and significantly impact quality of life. This vaccine is a key component of healthy aging and preventive care.
C. Rotavirus is incorrect because rotavirus primarily affects infants and young children, causing severe gastroenteritis. Vaccination is not recommended for adults, as most have already developed immunity from prior infection or childhood vaccination.
D. Human papillomavirus (HPV) is incorrect because HPV vaccination is targeted toward preteens, adolescents, and young adults to prevent cervical, anal, and other HPV-related cancers. It has limited benefit for older adults who have likely already been exposed to HPV.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.