Which of the following is a core professional nursing value?

• A. Social justice
• B. Punctuality
• C. Wealth
• D. Gossip

Answer: (A)

Nursing ethics centers on fairness, equity, and advocacy for patients. Social justice embodies that by focusing on fair treatment for all individuals and actively addressing health disparities and barriers to care. In practice, this means advocating for vulnerable populations, supporting policies that improve access to health services, and ensuring every patient receives respectful, quality care regardless of background. The other options don’t align as closely with this ethical foundation: punctuality is a professional habit, but not a core nursing value; wealth and gossip undermine professional integrity and trust.