Mock-Chapter 15: Critical Thinking and Clinical Judgment

Questions and Answers

Which action should the nurse take when using critical thinking to make clinical decisions?

Considers what is important in any given situation. (correct)

Reads and follows theheath care provider’s orders.

Accepts one established way to provide care.

Makes decisions based on intuition.

Which patient scenario of a surgical patient in pain is most indicative of critical thinking?

Administering pain-relief medication according to what was given last shift

Offering pain-relief medication based on the health care provider’s orders

Asking the patient what pain-relief methods, pharmacological and non-pharmacological, have worked in the past (correct)

Explaining to the patient that self-reporting of severe pain is not consistent with the minor procedure that was performed

Which action indicates a registered nurse is being responsible for making clinical decisions?

Applies clear textbook solutions to patients’ problems.

Takes immediate action when a patient’s condition worsens. (correct)

Uses only traditional methods of providing care to patients.

Formulates standardized care plans solely for groups of patients.

A charge nurse is supervising the care of a new nurse. Which action by a new nurse indicates the charge nurse needs to intervene?

Making a clinical decision based on previous shift assessments Signup and view all the answers

Which action demonstrates a nurse utilizing reflection to improve clinical decision making?

Improves a plan of care while thinking back on interventions effectiveness. Signup and view all the answers

A nursing instructor needs to evaluate students’ abilities to synthesize data and identify relationships between nursing diagnoses. Which learning assignment is best suited for this instructor’s needs?

Concept mapping Signup and view all the answers

A nurse is using a critical thinking model to provide care. Which component is first implemented when helping a nurse make clinical decisions?

Specific knowledge base Signup and view all the answers

Which action by a nurse indicates application of the critical thinking model to make the best clinical decisions?

Using the nursing process Signup and view all the answers

A nurse is using the critical thinking skill of evaluation. Which action will the nurse take?

Review the effectiveness of nursing actions. Signup and view all the answers

The patient appears to be in no apparent distress, but vital signs taken by assistive personnel reveal an extremely low pulse. The nurse then auscultates an apical pulse and asks the patient whether there is any history of heart problems. the nurse is utilizing which critical thinking skill?

Interpretation Signup and view all the answers

A patient continues to report post surgical incision pain at a level of 9 out of 10 after pain medicine is given. The next dose of pain medicine is not due for another hour. What should the critically thinking nurse do first?

Explore other options for pain relief. Signup and view all the answers

Which action should the nurse take to best develop critical thinking skills?

Actively participate in clinical experiences. Signup and view all the answers

While caring for a hospitalized older-adult female post hip surgery, the nurse is faced with the task of inserting an indwelling urinary catheter, which involves rotating the hip into a contraindicated position. Which action should the nurse take?

Adapt the positioning technique to the situation. Signup and view all the answers

The nurse enters a room to find the patient sitting up in bed crying. How will the nurse display a critical thinking attitude in this situation?

Ask the patient what triggered the crying. Signup and view all the answers

A patient is having difficulty reaching the water fountain while holding on to crutches. The nurse suggests that the patient place the crutches against the wall while stabilizing him or herself with two hands on the water fountain. Which critical thinking attitude did the nurse use in this situation?

Creativity Signup and view all the answers

A nurse is pulled from the surgical unit to work on the oncology unit. Which action by the nurse displays humility and responsibility?

Asking for an orientation to the unit Signup and view all the answers

A nurse is using professional standards to influence clinical decisions. What is the rationale for the nurse’s actions?

Uses critical thinking for the highest level of quality nursing care. Signup and view all the answers

A nurse who is caring for a patient with a pressure ulcer applies the recommended dressing according to hospital policy. Which standard is the nurse following?

Institutional practice guidelines Signup and view all the answers

A nurse is reviewing care plans. Which finding, if identified in a plan of care, should the registered nurse revise?

Nurse’s assumptions about hospital discharge Signup and view all the answers

In which order will thenurse use thenursing process steps during the clinical decision-making process?

Evaluating goals

Assessing patient needs

Planning priorities of care

Determining nursing diagnoses

Implementing nursing interventions

2, 4, 3, 5, 1 Signup and view all the answers

Which findings will alert the nurse that stress is present when making a clinical decision? (Select all that apply.)

Tense muscles Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Critical Thinking in Nursing

When making clinical decisions, the nurse should use critical thinking to consider multiple options and potential outcomes.
A patient scenario most indicative of critical thinking is a surgical patient in pain, where the nurse must consider various factors to make an informed decision.

Clinical Decision-Making

A nurse is being responsible for making clinical decisions when they prioritize patient needs and develop a plan of care.
A charge nurse should intervene if a new nurse fails to prioritize patient needs or develop a plan of care.

Reflection and Improvement

A nurse demonstrates reflection to improve clinical decision-making by evaluating their own actions and considering alternative approaches.
A reflective nurse will identify relationships between nursing diagnoses and synthesize data to improve patient care.

Critical Thinking Models

When using a critical thinking model, the nurse should first implement the component of considering multiple options and potential outcomes.
A nurse applies the critical thinking model to make the best clinical decisions by considering multiple factors and prioritizing patient needs.

Evaluation and Critical Thinking

When using the critical thinking skill of evaluation, the nurse will consider the effectiveness of interventions and make adjustments as needed.
A nurse utilizing the critical thinking skill of evaluation will consider multiple factors, including patient history and vital signs, to make informed decisions.

Patient Care and Critical Thinking

A critically thinking nurse will prioritize patient needs and develop a plan of care, even if the patient appears to be in no apparent distress.
In the case of a patient reporting post-surgical incision pain, the nurse should first assess the patient's condition and consider alternative interventions.

Developing Critical Thinking Skills

To develop critical thinking skills, the nurse should engage in reflective practice, consider multiple options and outcomes, and prioritize patient needs.

Nursing Interventions and Critical Thinking

A nurse should consider the potential risks and benefits of interventions, such as inserting an indwelling urinary catheter, and prioritize patient safety.
A nurse displays a critical thinking attitude by considering the patient's emotional and psychological needs, as well as their physical needs.

Critical Thinking Attitudes

A nurse displays a critical thinking attitude by considering alternative solutions and prioritizing patient needs, such as suggesting a patient place their crutches against the wall while stabilizing themselves with two hands on the water fountain.
A nurse demonstrates humility and responsibility by recognizing their own limitations and seeking guidance when needed.

Professional Standards and Critical Thinking

A nurse uses professional standards to influence clinical decisions by considering the recommended course of action and prioritizing patient needs.
A nurse follows the standard of applying the recommended dressing according to hospital policy when caring for a patient with a pressure ulcer.

Nursing Process and Critical Thinking

A nurse will use the nursing process steps during the clinical decision-making process in the following order: assessing patient needs, determining nursing diagnoses, planning priorities of care, implementing nursing interventions, and evaluating goals.
Findings that will alert the nurse that stress is present when making a clinical decision include a patient's vital signs, medical history, and emotional state.

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Description

This quiz assesses critical thinking skills in nursing practice, specifically in making clinical decisions. Test your ability to think critically and make informed decisions in a healthcare setting. Develop your nursing skills with this interactive quiz.