Which patient scenario of a surgical patient in pain is most ...

[misspop]

Which patient scenario of a surgical patient in pain is most indicative of critical thinking?
 
  a. Administering pain-relief medication according to what was given last shift
  b. Offering pain-relief medication based on the health care provider's orders
  c. Asking the patient what pain-relief methods, pharmacological and nonpharmacological, have worked in the past
  d. Explaining to the patient that self-reporting of severe pain is not consistent with the minor procedure that was performed

Question 2

Which action should the nurse take when using critical thinking to make clinical decisions?
 
  a. Make decisions based on intuition.
  b. Accept one established way to provide care.
  c. Consider what is important in a given situation.
  d. Read and follow the heath care provider's orders.

[aidanmbrowne]

Answer to Question 1

ANS: C
Asking the patient what pain-relief methods have worked in the past is an example of exploring many options for pain relief. Nonpharmacological pain-relief methods are available, as are medications for pain. Administering medication based on a previous assessment is not practicing according to standards of care. The nurse is to conduct an assessment each shift on assigned patients and intervene accordingly. Pain is subjective. The nurse should offer pain-relief methods based on the patient's reports without being judgmental.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: C
A critical thinker considers what is important in each clinical situation, imagines and explores alternatives, considers ethical principles, and makes informed decisions about the care of patients. Patient care can be provided in many ways. The use of evidence-based knowledge, or knowledge based on research or clinical expertise, makes you an informed critical thinker. Following health care provider's orders is not considered a critical thinking skill. If your knowledge causes you to question a health care provider's order, do so.