Ch.4 Critical thinking in nursing

Methods to improve critical thinking in nursing

discussions with colleagues, think aloud activities, lit reviews, intentional application of knowledge, concept mapping, simulation exercises, role playing, written work

Discipline

following orderly thinking to do what is best

Creativity

formulating new ideas and alternative approaches

Perserverance

staying determined to work until the goal is achieved

Summarize how theories of critical thinking apply to professional nursing practice.

the interaction of reflection, evidence, standards, and theoretical underpinnings fosters critical thinking. Critical thinking is used by nurses for decision making, clinical judgement, reasoning, problem solving, and organizing and prioritizing care.

Which statement describes a characteristic of critical thinking? Select all that apply.

-Open-mindedness, continual inquiry, and perseverance -Recognition of an issue, analysis of related information, and formation of conclusions -Imagination and exploration of alternatives, consideration of ethical principles, and informed decision making

The health care team works to resuscitate a child with renal failure without success. When the nurse attempts to speak with family, the mother says, "You can't make me feel better; you don't know what it's like to lose a child." Which journal entries would help the nurse reflect on this clinical experience? Select all that apply.

-The meaning the experience had for the nurse with respect to her understanding of dealing with a patient's death -Description of the efforts to resuscitate the child, what was used, and questions about the child's response -A description of what the nurse said to the mother, the mother's response, and how the nurse might approach the situation differently in the future

What are the 11 Essential Critical-Thinking Traits?

1)Confidence, 2)Thinking Independently, 3)Fairness, 4)Responsibility and accountability, 5)Risk taking, 6)Discipline, 7)Perseverance, 8)Creativity, 9)Curiosity, 10)Integrity, 11)Humility

Thinking Independently

Considering a wide range of ideas before coming to a conclusion

Which concept in the Critical Thinking Model focuses on teamwork and conflict management?

Interpersonal skills

Responsibility and accountability

Acting on sound knowledge and acknowledging actions as ones own

Which action by the nurse demonstrates humility?

Admission of mistakes

Fairness

Avoiding bias or prejudice and dealing with a situation in a just manner

Intergrity

Being honest and willing to adhere to principles in the face of adversity

Curiosity

Being motivated to achieve and asking why

Risk taking

Being willing to try out new ideas.

A patient with depression says, "I've really been struggling with insomnia this week." The nurse replies, "Am I correct that you're saying you've been having difficulty sleeping this week?" Which intellectual standard of critical thinking is the nurse demonstrating?

Clarity

Which attitudes are essential for critical thinking? Select all that apply.

Confidence, Fairness, Discipline, Curiosity

A nurse attempting to decrease the patient's adverse reactions to prescribed medications is unable to find information about the medication in any of the hospital databases or electronic health records. Which action should the nurse take in this situation?

Contact the hospital pharmacist

Identify the relationship among critical thinking, clinical reasoning, and clinical judgement.

Critical thinking is a required competency of professional nurses and is defined as a deliberate, reflective process that guides decision making and problem solving Clinical reasoning requires critical thinking, knowledge, and expertise for decision making in clinical situations. Clinical judgment combines the critical thinking, critical reasoning, and repetitive decision making skills.

Confidence

Feeling certain about ones ability to accomplish a goal

In which way would the nurse confirm the effectiveness of a previously untried intervention in an ethical manner? Select all that apply.

Follow evidence-based practice Focus on the patient's values and beliefs related to the new intervention.

Which critical thinking attitudes would the nurse adopt when caring for a patient who has not followed treatment recommendations, which has resulted in a complication? Select all that apply.

Integrity, Fairness, Confidence

Which strategies focus on improving critical thinking skills through written work? Select all that apply.

Noting key facts reviewing study notes Identifying knowledge gaps

Describe the intellectual standards of critical thinking:

Thinking critically requires competence in fundamental intellectual standards which include, clarity, accuracy, precision, relevance, depth, breadth, logic, significance, and fairness of the thinking process.

Humility

admitting ones limitations

Explain errors to avoid in providing safe and competent patient care:

bias, lack of knowledge, illogical thinking, closed mindedness, erroneous assumptions

Which critical thinking attitude would the nurse possess to develop new solutions to patient-related problems?

creativity