In a team meeting a nurse says. "I'm concerned about whether we are behaving ethically by using restraints to prevent one patient from self-mutilation, while the care plan for another self-mutilating patient requires one-on-one supervision." Which ethical principle most clearly applies to this situation?

A. Justice refers to fairness and equality in the distribution of care and resources. The nurse is concerned about whether patients exhibiting similar behaviors (self-mutilation) are being treated consistently and fairly, which directly relates to the principle of justice. B. Fidelity involves keeping promises and commitments to patients, which is not the primary concern in this scenario. C. Beneficence involves acting in the patient’s best interest to promote well-being. While relevant to care decisions, the main ethical issue here is fairness between patients. D. Autonomy involves respecting a patient’s right to make their own decisions, which is not the central issue in comparing the care of two patients.