Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) Practice Exam

Your clinic has a shortage of a particular vaccine for immunization. This rationing of scarce resources involves which ethical principle?

1. Autonomy

2. Respect for persons

3. Justice

4. Beneficence

The correct answer is: Justice

The correct answer reflects the ethical principle of justice, which pertains to fairness in the distribution of resources and the equitable treatment of individuals. In the context of a vaccine shortage, the principle of justice is crucial because it addresses how to allocate limited medical resources in a way that is fair and equitable to all eligible individuals. This can involve prioritizing certain populations based on need, risk, or vulnerability to ensure that the most disadvantaged or at-risk groups receive the vaccine first. Justice also emphasizes the importance of following established protocols and guidelines to ensure that everyone has a fair chance at receiving the vaccination, rather than allowing personal biases or preferences to influence decision-making. In situations where resources are scarce, being just means considering how to distribute these resources in a manner that is transparent and respects the rights of all individuals involved. In contrast, the principles of autonomy and respect for persons focus more on individual rights and dignity, while beneficence is primarily concerned with promoting the well-being of patients. These principles are essential but do not specifically address the issue of resource allocation that arises in situations of scarcity, which is why justice is the most appropriate ethical principle in this scenario.