Three gravely ill patients are candidates for the only vacant bed in the intensive care unit. The health care team decides to assign the bed to the patient with the best chance of recovery. Although many principles apply, the decision-making process in this case illustrates the application of which of the following ethical principles?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Justice is the ethical principle that requires fairness and equity in the distribution of healthcare resources. In this case, the decision to assign the bed to the patient with the best chance of recovery is a just decision because it ensures that the patient who is most likely to benefit from the bed will receive it.

Three Gravely Ill Patients Are Candidates for the Only Vacant