Capella FPX 4000 Assessment 3
Capella FPX 4000 Assessment 3 Name Capella university NURS-FPX4000 Developing a Nursing Perspective Prof. Name Date Applying Ethical Principles Understanding Food Insecurity Through an Ethical Lens Food Insecurity is a condition where individuals lack consistent access to enough nutritious food for a healthy life, affecting millions in the U.S. As of 2024, global hunger has remained persistently high for the third year in a row, with approximately 828 million people affected globally (WHO, 2022). Health Impact: Linked to chronic diseases like diabetes, hypertension, and mental health issues—especially in vulnerable populations. Ethical Relevance: Food insecurity presents ethical challenges in healthcare, especially around fair access, harm reduction, and patient autonomy. Purpose: To explore how the four ethical principles and spheres of care guide nursing actions in addressing food insecurity. Autonomy and Food Insecurity Definition: Respecting a patient’s right to make informed decisions about their own health and well-being. Application: Individuals must be empowered to choose nutritious foods—but food insecurity limits choices. Cultural preferences are part of autonomy; food deserts force people to abandon cultural/religious diets. Nurses educate patients on nutrition, enabling informed choices within limited resources (World Bank, 2025). Example: A diabetic patient frequently hospitalized for poor diet improves after receiving education and food assistance support. Beneficence and Food Insecurity Definition: The duty to act in the best interest of the patient. Application: Nurses advocate for access to nutritious food to prevent illness. Referrals to food banks and SNAP support well-being. Dietary education helps manage diseases like diabetes and hypertension (Kumar et al., 2025). Example: A nurse links a malnourished patient to a food co-op, resulting in better energy and stability. Nonmaleficence and Food Insecurity Definition: “Do no harm”—avoid causing injury or suffering. Application: Ignoring food insecurity worsens chronic and mental health conditions. Providers must screen for food insecurity. Ensure food sources are safe and nutritious (Kumar et al., 2025). Example: A clinic uses routine screening to catch malnutrition in elderly patients early. Justice and Food Insecurity Definition: Fair distribution of healthcare and resources. Application: Equal access to healthy food for all patients, regardless of income. Low-income and minority groups face higher food insecurity. Nurses can advocate for expanding food assistance policies (Al Abosy et al., 2022). Example: A hospital partners with a nonprofit to distribute free meal boxes in underserved areas. Bias and Food Insecurity Definition: Preconceived judgments that affect clinical care. Application: Stigma: Patients may be seen as lazy or noncompliant. Impact: Can lead to underdiagnosed malnutrition or overlooked social factors. Ethical Conflict: Bias breaches Justice and Nonmaleficence principles. Example: A provider dismisses repeat admissions without realizing food insecurity is the cause (Gherman et al., 2022). Four Spheres of Care Wellness – Promote healthy lifestyles and prevent illness. Disease Prevention – Intervene early to avoid disease onset. Chronic Disease Management – Help manage long-term illnesses. Hospice/Palliative Care – Provide comfort-focused care for the seriously ill (Giddens & Mullaney, 2023). Chronic Disease Management & Ethics in Food Insecurity Autonomy: Patients need nutrition education and options aligned with values. Without food access, autonomy is limited. Beneficence: Nurses must help patients manage chronic illnesses through nutritional support (Knight & Fritz, 2021). Nonmaleficence: Uncontrolled conditions due to poor diet cause harm; early intervention is necessary. Justice: Ethical care demands fairness, especially in low-income communities. Address systemic barriers (Knight & Fritz, 2021). Nursing Action Example: A nurse screens a diabetic patient with uncontrolled hypertension and food access issues. The nurse coordinates SNAP enrollment, refers to low-sodium programs, connects with a dietitian, and provides culturally appropriate education—honoring all four ethical principles. Conclusion Ethical Framework Matters: Autonomy, beneficence, nonmaleficence, and justice guide fair and compassionate care. Nursing’s Role Is Vital: Nurses are ethical advocates identifying and responding to food insecurity. Chronic Disease Link: Addressing food insecurity improves chronic illness outcomes and long-term wellness. References Al Abosy, J., Grossman, A., & Dong, K. R. (2022). Determinants and consequences of food and nutrition insecurity in justice-impacted populations. Current Nutrition Reports, 11(3), 407–415. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13668-022-00421-4 Gherman, M. A., Arhiri, L., & Holman, A. C. (2022). Ageism and moral distress in nurses caring for older patients. Ethics & Behavior, 33(4), 1–17. https://doi.org/10.1080/10508422.2022.2072845 Giddens, J. F., & Mullaney, S. (2023). Incorporating the AACN essentials “spheres of care” into nursing curricula. Journal of Professional Nursing, 47(47), 9–14. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.profnurs.2023.03.015 Knight, J. K., & Fritz, Z. (2021). Doctors have an ethical obligation to ask patients about food insecurity: What is stopping us? Journal of Medical Ethics, 48(10). https://doi.org/10.1136/medethics-2021-107409 Capella FPX 4000 Assessment 3 Kumar, M. M., et al. (2025). The ethical value of universal screening for food security among adolescents and young adults. Journal of Adolescent Health, 76(2), 183–185. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jadohealth.2024.10.014 WHO. (2022). UN Report: Global hunger numbers rose to as many as 828 million in 2021. https://www.who.int/news/item/06-07-2022-un-report–global-hunger-numbers-rose-to-as-many-as-828-million-in-2021 World Bank. (2025). What is food security? https://www.worldbank.org/en/topic/agriculture/brief/food-security-update/what-is-food-security