Which ethical principle requires fair distribution of benefits and burdens?

Prepare for the Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Test. Study with interactive quizzes and detailed explanations. Boost your exam readiness with our diverse question formats and in-depth content coverage.

Justice is the ethical principle that requires fair distribution of benefits and burdens. In healthcare, this means allocating resources—such as treatments, access to care, and organ or medication supply—in a way that is fair, impartial, and guided by need and potential benefit rather than personal characteristics or status. It also underpins decisions made when resources are limited, promoting equity and non-discrimination in who receives care. Autonomy centers on respecting patient choices; fidelity is about keeping promises and commitments; veracity involves truthful communication. Therefore, justice best accounts for the idea of fair distribution.