A nurse administers the wrong medication to a client. After assessing the client, the nurse contacts the provider and completes an incident report. Which of the following components of professionalism is the nurse demonstrating?

A. Assessment involves collecting and analyzing data about the client's health status, including their medical history, physical examination findings, and any other relevant information. This step is crucial for understanding the client's current condition and needs, but it precedes goal setting.
B. Evaluation is the step where the nurse determines whether the goals and outcomes established in the planning phase have been achieved. It involves assessing the effectiveness of interventions and making adjustments as needed. Evaluation occurs after goals have been set and interventions have been implemented, so it is not the step where goals are initially formulated.
C. Implementation involves carrying out the interventions and actions planned to achieve the goals established for the client. This step follows the formulation of goals and involves executing the planned care. While critical to achieving positive outcomes, implementation does not include the initial formulation of goals.
D. Planning is the step of the nursing process where the nurse formulates goals and develops a plan of care based on the assessment data. This includes setting specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) goals to guide the care provided and achieve positive client outcomes. Planning is where goals are established to address the client’s identified needs and guide subsequent interventions.

A. Teaching a client how to use an incentive spirometer involves providing detailed instruction and education about the device and its use. This task requires clinical knowledge and the ability to assess and address the client’s understanding, which is beyond the scope of an AP.
B. Irrigating and performing a dressing change on a pressure injury wound is a clinical task that requires specific training and skill, including knowledge of wound care, infection control, and assessment of wound healing. This is typically performed by an RN or another licensed healthcare professional. This task involves clinical judgment and assessment, which are beyond the training of an AP.
C. Administering medication, including PRN (as needed) pain medication, involves assessing the client’s condition, verifying the medication order, and monitoring for effects and side effects. This task requires a licensed nurse who can perform these assessments and make clinical decisions.
D. Obtaining a daily weight is a task that is within the scope of practice for an AP. Weighing a client does not require clinical judgment or complex decision-making and is typically considered a routine task that can be safely delegated to an AP. This task involves measuring and recording the client’s weight, which is an objective and straightforward task.