Answer to Question 1
D
The nurse-teacher is asking the nursing student to recognize the importance of an issue and how to make informed decisions with regard to client concerns. Critical thinking involves recognizing an issue, analyzing information about the issue, evaluating the information, and drawing conclu-sions in order to proceed with care in consultation with the client.
Drawing inferences is a specific critical thinking competency used in diagnostic reasoning. The nurse-teacher who tells the nursing student not to draw inferences is not allowing the student to practise competencies necessary for specific critical thinking in clinical situations.
The critical thinker will look beyond a single solution to a problem.
Intuition develops as one's clinical experience increases. The nursing student should examine rationales to make good decisions.
Answer to Question 2
D
Placing a high risk for falls armband on the patient encourages communication among the whole interdisciplinary team. Anyone who interacts with the patient should see this armband, understand its meaning, and assist the patient as necessary. The timing of visitors would not affect falls. All four side rails are considered a restraint and can contribute to falling. Individuals on high risk for fall alerts should be checked frequently, at least every hour.
Critical Thinking Skills chart
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Critical-Thinking Tip
Critical-Thinking Tip