A nurse is discharging two clients from the hospital to their homes. The provider states that the client with insurance will receive supplies to take home and the one without insurance will need to pick up supplies at the local clinic. The nurse should recognize that this is a breach of which of the following ethical principles?

A. The principle of justice refers to fairness and equality in the distribution of resources and treatment. Providing supplies to one client based on insurance status violates this principle. B. Autonomy refers to respecting a client’s right to make their own decisions about care. This situation does not involve client decision-making. C. Nonmaleficence means “do no harm.” Although the uninsured client might face hardship, the core issue is inequitable treatment, not direct harm. D. Beneficence is the duty to promote good or act in the client’s best interest. While beneficence is important, the ethical breach here centers on fairness (justice).