Which action would constitute a breach of justice by a nurse caring for prisoners?

• A. Refusing to treat the client due to crime
• B. Administering pain meds to all clients
• C. Sharing health information publicly
• D. Providing PRN pain medications to all clients except client X

Answer: (D)

The main idea here is fairness in care. Justice in nursing means treating every patient with equal regard and providing care based on need, not on who the patient is, their status, or any nonclinical label.

Providing pain medication to some patients but withholding it from a specific prisoner because of an identifier (like “client X”) is a clear breach of justice. It shows unequal treatment for a nonclinical reason, which undermines trust, violates the rights of the individual, and can lead to unnecessary suffering. Each patient deserves appropriate pain management based on assessment, not on identity or labeling.

Refusing to treat someone because of their crime would also be unfair and unethical, but the option focusing on giving meds to all except one most directly demonstrates discriminatory practice that violates the principle of equal access to care. Sharing health information publicly breaks confidentiality, and giving pain meds to everyone is not inherently unjust if based on need and medical indication.