Author Question: Which action by a nurse indicates application of the critical thinking model to make the best ... (Read 55 times)

misspop · **on:** Jul 22, 2018

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

a. Drawing on past clinical experiences to formulate standardized care plans
b. Relying on recall of information from past lectures and textbooks
c. Depending on the charge nurse to determine priorities of care
d. Using the nursing process

Question 2

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?
a. Evaluation
b. Explanation
c. Interpretation
d. Self-regulation

olivia_paige29 · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 22, 2018

Answer to Question 1

ANS: D
The nursing process competency is the third component of the critical thinking model. In your practice, you will apply critical thinking components during each step of the nursing process. Care plans should be individualized, and recalling facts does not utilize critical thinking skills to make clinical decisions. The new nurse should not rely on the charge nurse to determine priorities of care.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: C
Interpretation involves being orderly in data collection, looking for patterns to categorize data, and clarifying uncertain data. This nurse is clarifying the data in this situation. Evaluation involves determining the effectiveness of interventions or care provided. The nurse in this scenario is assessing the patient, not evaluating interventions. Self-regulation is reflecting on experiences. Explanation is supporting findings and conclusions. The nurse in this question is clarifying uncertain data (determining cause of the low pulse), not supporting the finding of a low pulse.