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?

Choice A rationale:

Rounding the amount to be administered to the nearest whole number is a step that may be necessary, but it should not be the first action taken. The nurse should first ensure that the dosage calculation is accurate and based on the client's weight in kilograms. Once the dosage in milligrams is calculated, rounding can be considered.

Choice B rationale:

Calculating the dosage in milligrams is an essential step, but it is not the first action the nurse should take. To determine the correct dosage in milligrams, the nurse needs to convert the client's weight from pounds to kilograms first, as the medication order is given in milligrams per kilogram.

Choice C rationale:

Calculating the dosage in milliliters is not the first action to take because the medication is available in milligrams, and the order is based on weight in kilograms. Converting the weight to kilograms is the initial step to ensure that the dose is calculated correctly.

Choice D rationale:

Converting the client's weight to kilograms is the first and most crucial step in this dosage calculation. The medication order is given in milligrams per kilogram, and the client's weight is provided in pounds. To ensure accurate dosing, the nurse must convert the weight to kilograms, as this is the foundation for calculating the correct dosage in milligrams.

The correct answer is Choice B: Nursing Scope and Standards of Practice.

Choice A rationale:

The Code of Ethics for Nurses provides guidelines on ethical practice but does not specifically address pay.

Choice B rationale:

The Nursing Scope and Standards of Practice outlines the professional standards, including aspects related to compensation and benefits, which can help guide a nurse in understanding pay scales and expectations.

Choice C rationale:

American Nurses Association Position Statements provide guidance on various issues but are not focused on pay.

Choice D rationale:

Principles of Nursing Practice offer a framework for nursing care but do not specifically address salary or compensation.