Elements of Decision Making, Problem Solving, and Critical Thinking

A nurse manager is making a decision based on a problem with a staff member. What would be the optimal end product of the decision?

A chosen course of action Decision making implies there are at least two options that have been presented as possibilities for action. At a minimum, the choices are act and don't act. The ultimate end product of the decision-making process is a chosen course of action. An alternative problem is not a positive outcome. Actions do not always guarantee success nor does a restatement of the solution.

A nursing instructor is discussing ways to improve critical thinking during a clinical rotation with a student. The student asks the nurse what critical thinking is. What is the best response by the nursing instructor?

It requires reasoning and creative analysis. Critical thinking is a broad term for the process of making meaning of information through evaluation and judgment and may be independent of decision making and problem solving. You can increase your critical thinking ability by questioning everything—especially initial assumptions. One of the best initial questions to ask when problem solving is: "Is this really a problem?"

Using first impressions to guide the decision-making process is a common flaw and considered a pitfall in using decision-making tools.

TRUE A common flaw in using the decision-making process is one's own tendency to base decisions on a "first impression." This is also referred to as confirmation bias. To make an informed and rational decision, the nurse leader should rely on evidence and data collection.

A staff nurse is having difficulty with problem solving in patient care and the nurse manager is counseling the nurse. What suggestions by the nurse manager may assist the staff nurse in improving problem solving skills? (Select all that apply.)

Systematize data collection, Override bias, Slow down thinking There is a higher potential for choosing the option that will serve the greatest good when you can identify how your values, beliefs, preferences, and tendencies show up in your thinking. This knowledge allows differentiation of your bias from the facts. Ask open-ended and not closed-ended questions to obtain vital information prior to making a decision. Separate personal from professional feelings.

A nurse educator determines that the present classroom environment is ineffective in promoting critical thinking. What methods could the educator employ in the classroom to improve critical thinking? (Select all that apply.)

Case studies, Problem-based learning exercises, Simulation Case studies, simulation, and problem-based learning exercises are strategies that have been developed to vicariously improve problem solving and decision making. Case studies are stories that impact learning. Simulation allows for opportunities for problem solving. Problem-based learning exercises are opportunities to analyze real-life learning. Lecture and study guides are considered passive learning and are the least effective methods to develop critical-thinking and problem-solving skills.

According to Marquis and Huston (2021), there are other critical elements that nurse managers/leaders use to complete the decision-making process. From the following choices, select those that are considered crucial to problem solving and decision making.

Develop realistic timeline, Think logically, Carefully gather pertinent data, Objectives clearly define Rather than generating just one alternative solution, generate as many alternatives as possible to increase the chance that the final course of action is sound. In addition, it is important to make a decision and act decisively, remembering that ineffective decisions can be changed.

Which of the options below correctly correlate the decision-making model to the nursing process? (Select all that apply.)

Evaluate: Evaluate decision-making steps, Implement: Choose alternative, implement alternative The Assess step in the simplified nursing process more accurately correlates to identifying the decision to be made and collecting data in the decision-making process. The Plan step in the nursing process more correlates to identifying the criteria for the decision and identifying alternatives in the decision-making process.

A nurse has a difficult decision to make regarding patient care. What should the nurse due to influence a positive outcome? (Select all that apply.)

Gather data and input from a variety of sources., Identify a number of different options., Understand the repercussions of each option., Slow down the thinking process Critical thinking, questioning, researching, and obtaining multiple perspectives are all skills that can help during your decision-making process. Gathering data and input from different sources can help the nurse make a more informed decision, as would taking the time to consider the options that are available. It is important to be aware of the consequences of decision making and the actions taken. Making a quick decision and acting on it does not always lead to a positive outcome.