Basic Nursing Thinking Doing and Caring
Latest Exam Guide 2025
Critical Thinking - ANSWER--is the art of thinking about your thinking, while you are
thinking in order to make your thinking better: more clear, more accurate, or more
defensible
- a combination of reasoned thinking, an openness to alternatives, an ability to reflect,
and a desire to seek the truth.
Skills - ANSWER-in critical thinking refer to the cognitive processes used in complex
thinking operations such as problem solving and decision making.
Examples of critical thinking skills - ANSWER--objectively gathering information on a
problem or issue
-recognizing the need for more information
-evaluating the credibility & usefulness of sources of information
-recognizing gaps in one's own knowledge
-listening carefully
-reading thoughtfully
-separating relevant from irrelevant data and important from unimportant data
-organizing or grouping information in meaningful ways
- making inferences (tentative conclusions) about the meaning of information
- Visualizing potential solutions
- Exploring the advantages, disadvantages, and consequences of each potential action
- Evaluating the credibility and usefulness of sources of information
- Recognizing differences and similarities among things or situations
- Prioritizing or ranking data
Attitudes - ANSWER--Not the same as intellectual skills
- Feelings and states of mind
- Your attitudes and character will determine whether you will use your critical thinking
skills fairly and with an open mind.
- Without a critical attitude, people tend to use thinking skills to justify narrow-
mindedness and prejudice and to benefit self rather than others.
Independent Thinking - ANSWER--Critical thinking attitude
- Critical thinkers don't just go along with the crowd
- Do not accept or reject idea before they understand it
- Nurses should challenge actions, practices, and policies having little logical support
Intellectual Curiosity - ANSWER-- Critical thinking attitude
- Critical thinkers love to learn new things
- They are inquisitive, exhibit an attitude of inquiry, and frequently think or ask "what if"
"how" and "why" questions
,Intellectual Humility - ANSWER--Critical thinking attitude
- Critical thinkers are aware that they do not know everything
- When unsure, they are not too proud or too embarrassed to ask for help from mentors
with wisdom, knowledge, skills, and ability
- Reevaluate conclusions or actions in light of new information and are willing to admit
when they're wrong
Intellectual Empathy - ANSWER--Critical Thinking attitude
- Critical thinkers try to understand the feelings and perceptions of others
- Then try to see a situation as the other person sees it
Intellectual Courage - ANSWER-- Critical Thinking attitude
- Critical thinkers consider and examine fairly their own values and beliefs as well as the
beliefs of others, even when this is uncomfortable
- They are willing to rethink, and even reject, previously held beliefs that are not well
justified
- Without intellectual courage, people become resistant to change
Intellectual Perseverance - ANSWER--Critical thinking attitude
- Critical thinkers don't jump to conclusions or settle for the quick, obvious ANSWER.
- Important questions are usually complex, and critical thinkers give them serious
thought and research, even when this takes a great deal of effort and time.
Fair-Mindedness - ANSWER--Critical Thinking attitude
- Critical thinkers try to make impartial judgments
- They treat all viewpoints fairly, realizing that personal biases, customs, and social
pressures can influence their thinking.
- They examine their own biases each time they make a decision
Paul, Ennis, & Norris, 1996 Definition of Critical Thinking - ANSWER-The disciplined,
intellectual process of applying skillful reasoning as a guide to belief or action
Moore & Parker 2015 Definition of Critical Thinking - ANSWER-Careful and deliberate
determination of whether to accept, reject, or suspend judgment
Ennis 2011 Definition of Critical Thinking - ANSWER-Reasonable and Reflective
thinking focused on deciding what to believe or do
Heaslip 1992 Definition of Critical Thinking - ANSWER-(for clinical decision making in
nursing)
The ability to think in a systematic and logical manner with openness to questions and
to reflect on the reasoning process used to ensure safe nursing practice and quality
care.
,Wilkinson 2012 Definition of Critical Thinking - ANSWER-Disciplined, self-directed,
rational thinking that supports what we know and makes clear what we don't know
American Philosophical Association 1990 Definition of Critical Thinking - ANSWER-The
ideal critical thinker is well informed, wise in judgments, and decision make
Is logical
Uses sound reasoning and is willing to consider valid alternatives
Comorbidities - ANSWER-More than one health problem occurring at the same time
Complex Thinking (Reasoning) Processes - ANSWER-Involve use of a combination of
critical-thinking skills and attitudes
Problem Solving - ANSWER-Identifying a problem and finding reasonable solutions to it
Critical Thinking Skills Required for Problem Solving - ANSWER-Organizing Data
Identifying Relevant and Important Data
Making Inferences
Making Decisions
Projecting Consequences of Actions
Applying Theoretical Knowledge to a Specific Patient Context
Decision Making - ANSWER-Choosing the best action to take
In nursing, this is usually the action likely to produce the desired patient outcome
Critical Thinking Skills Required for Decision Making - ANSWER-Requires thinking skills
such as making judgments (e.g., about what is important) and making choices
Important in problem-solving; however, many decisions are made that are not related to
problem-solving
Clinical Reasoning - ANSWER-Reflective, concurrent, creative thinking about patients
and patient care.
Reasoning - ANSWER-logical thinking that links thoughts together to create meaning
Nurses use clinical reasoning in - ANSWER-the nursing process
Nursing is an ________ discipline - ANSWER-applied
T/F Nursing uses knowledge from other fields - ANSWER-True
T/F The scientific basis for patient care constantly changes - ANSWER-True
Critical thinking is linked to - ANSWER-Evidence Based Practice
, Model - ANSWER-Set of interrelated concepts that represent a particular way of
thinking about something
Contextual Awareness - ANSWER--Deciding what to observe and consider
- An awareness of what's happening in the total situation, including values, cultural
issues, interpersonal relationships, and environmental influences
Questions for Focused Thinking (Contextual Awareness) - ANSWER-- What is going on
in the situation that may influence the outcome?
- What factors may influence my behavior and that of others in the situation? (eg
culture, roles, relationships, economic status)
- What about this situation have I seen before? What is new?
- Who should be involved in order to improve the outcome?
- What else was happening at the same time that affected me in this situation?
- What happened just before this incident that made a difference?
- What emotional responses influenced how I reacted in this situation?
- What changes in behavior alerted me that something was wrong?
Inquiry - ANSWER--Based on credible sources
- Applying standards of good reasoning to your thinking when analyzing a situation and
evaluating your actions
Questions for Focused Thinking (Inquiry) - ANSWER-- How do I go about gathering
information I need?
- What framework should I use to organize my information?
- Do I have enough knowledge to decide? If not, what do I need to know?
- Have I used a valid, reliable source of information? (eg patient, other professionals,
references)
- Did I (do I need to) validate the data? (eg with the client)
-What else do I need to know? What information is missing?
- Are the data accurate? Precise?
- What's important and what's not important in this situation?
- Did I consider professional, ethical, and legal standards?
- Have I jumped to conclusions?
Considering Alternatives - ANSWER-Exploring and imagining as many alternatives as
you can think of for the situation
Questions for Focusing Thinking (Considering Alternatives) - ANSWER-- What is one
possible explanation for what is happening or what happened?
- What are other explanations for what is happening? What is one thing I could do in this
situation?
- What are two more possibilities/alternatives?
- Are there others who might help me develop more alternatives?
- Of the possible actions I am considering, which one is most reasonable? Why are the
others not as reasonable?
Latest Exam Guide 2025
Critical Thinking - ANSWER--is the art of thinking about your thinking, while you are
thinking in order to make your thinking better: more clear, more accurate, or more
defensible
- a combination of reasoned thinking, an openness to alternatives, an ability to reflect,
and a desire to seek the truth.
Skills - ANSWER-in critical thinking refer to the cognitive processes used in complex
thinking operations such as problem solving and decision making.
Examples of critical thinking skills - ANSWER--objectively gathering information on a
problem or issue
-recognizing the need for more information
-evaluating the credibility & usefulness of sources of information
-recognizing gaps in one's own knowledge
-listening carefully
-reading thoughtfully
-separating relevant from irrelevant data and important from unimportant data
-organizing or grouping information in meaningful ways
- making inferences (tentative conclusions) about the meaning of information
- Visualizing potential solutions
- Exploring the advantages, disadvantages, and consequences of each potential action
- Evaluating the credibility and usefulness of sources of information
- Recognizing differences and similarities among things or situations
- Prioritizing or ranking data
Attitudes - ANSWER--Not the same as intellectual skills
- Feelings and states of mind
- Your attitudes and character will determine whether you will use your critical thinking
skills fairly and with an open mind.
- Without a critical attitude, people tend to use thinking skills to justify narrow-
mindedness and prejudice and to benefit self rather than others.
Independent Thinking - ANSWER--Critical thinking attitude
- Critical thinkers don't just go along with the crowd
- Do not accept or reject idea before they understand it
- Nurses should challenge actions, practices, and policies having little logical support
Intellectual Curiosity - ANSWER-- Critical thinking attitude
- Critical thinkers love to learn new things
- They are inquisitive, exhibit an attitude of inquiry, and frequently think or ask "what if"
"how" and "why" questions
,Intellectual Humility - ANSWER--Critical thinking attitude
- Critical thinkers are aware that they do not know everything
- When unsure, they are not too proud or too embarrassed to ask for help from mentors
with wisdom, knowledge, skills, and ability
- Reevaluate conclusions or actions in light of new information and are willing to admit
when they're wrong
Intellectual Empathy - ANSWER--Critical Thinking attitude
- Critical thinkers try to understand the feelings and perceptions of others
- Then try to see a situation as the other person sees it
Intellectual Courage - ANSWER-- Critical Thinking attitude
- Critical thinkers consider and examine fairly their own values and beliefs as well as the
beliefs of others, even when this is uncomfortable
- They are willing to rethink, and even reject, previously held beliefs that are not well
justified
- Without intellectual courage, people become resistant to change
Intellectual Perseverance - ANSWER--Critical thinking attitude
- Critical thinkers don't jump to conclusions or settle for the quick, obvious ANSWER.
- Important questions are usually complex, and critical thinkers give them serious
thought and research, even when this takes a great deal of effort and time.
Fair-Mindedness - ANSWER--Critical Thinking attitude
- Critical thinkers try to make impartial judgments
- They treat all viewpoints fairly, realizing that personal biases, customs, and social
pressures can influence their thinking.
- They examine their own biases each time they make a decision
Paul, Ennis, & Norris, 1996 Definition of Critical Thinking - ANSWER-The disciplined,
intellectual process of applying skillful reasoning as a guide to belief or action
Moore & Parker 2015 Definition of Critical Thinking - ANSWER-Careful and deliberate
determination of whether to accept, reject, or suspend judgment
Ennis 2011 Definition of Critical Thinking - ANSWER-Reasonable and Reflective
thinking focused on deciding what to believe or do
Heaslip 1992 Definition of Critical Thinking - ANSWER-(for clinical decision making in
nursing)
The ability to think in a systematic and logical manner with openness to questions and
to reflect on the reasoning process used to ensure safe nursing practice and quality
care.
,Wilkinson 2012 Definition of Critical Thinking - ANSWER-Disciplined, self-directed,
rational thinking that supports what we know and makes clear what we don't know
American Philosophical Association 1990 Definition of Critical Thinking - ANSWER-The
ideal critical thinker is well informed, wise in judgments, and decision make
Is logical
Uses sound reasoning and is willing to consider valid alternatives
Comorbidities - ANSWER-More than one health problem occurring at the same time
Complex Thinking (Reasoning) Processes - ANSWER-Involve use of a combination of
critical-thinking skills and attitudes
Problem Solving - ANSWER-Identifying a problem and finding reasonable solutions to it
Critical Thinking Skills Required for Problem Solving - ANSWER-Organizing Data
Identifying Relevant and Important Data
Making Inferences
Making Decisions
Projecting Consequences of Actions
Applying Theoretical Knowledge to a Specific Patient Context
Decision Making - ANSWER-Choosing the best action to take
In nursing, this is usually the action likely to produce the desired patient outcome
Critical Thinking Skills Required for Decision Making - ANSWER-Requires thinking skills
such as making judgments (e.g., about what is important) and making choices
Important in problem-solving; however, many decisions are made that are not related to
problem-solving
Clinical Reasoning - ANSWER-Reflective, concurrent, creative thinking about patients
and patient care.
Reasoning - ANSWER-logical thinking that links thoughts together to create meaning
Nurses use clinical reasoning in - ANSWER-the nursing process
Nursing is an ________ discipline - ANSWER-applied
T/F Nursing uses knowledge from other fields - ANSWER-True
T/F The scientific basis for patient care constantly changes - ANSWER-True
Critical thinking is linked to - ANSWER-Evidence Based Practice
, Model - ANSWER-Set of interrelated concepts that represent a particular way of
thinking about something
Contextual Awareness - ANSWER--Deciding what to observe and consider
- An awareness of what's happening in the total situation, including values, cultural
issues, interpersonal relationships, and environmental influences
Questions for Focused Thinking (Contextual Awareness) - ANSWER-- What is going on
in the situation that may influence the outcome?
- What factors may influence my behavior and that of others in the situation? (eg
culture, roles, relationships, economic status)
- What about this situation have I seen before? What is new?
- Who should be involved in order to improve the outcome?
- What else was happening at the same time that affected me in this situation?
- What happened just before this incident that made a difference?
- What emotional responses influenced how I reacted in this situation?
- What changes in behavior alerted me that something was wrong?
Inquiry - ANSWER--Based on credible sources
- Applying standards of good reasoning to your thinking when analyzing a situation and
evaluating your actions
Questions for Focused Thinking (Inquiry) - ANSWER-- How do I go about gathering
information I need?
- What framework should I use to organize my information?
- Do I have enough knowledge to decide? If not, what do I need to know?
- Have I used a valid, reliable source of information? (eg patient, other professionals,
references)
- Did I (do I need to) validate the data? (eg with the client)
-What else do I need to know? What information is missing?
- Are the data accurate? Precise?
- What's important and what's not important in this situation?
- Did I consider professional, ethical, and legal standards?
- Have I jumped to conclusions?
Considering Alternatives - ANSWER-Exploring and imagining as many alternatives as
you can think of for the situation
Questions for Focusing Thinking (Considering Alternatives) - ANSWER-- What is one
possible explanation for what is happening or what happened?
- What are other explanations for what is happening? What is one thing I could do in this
situation?
- What are two more possibilities/alternatives?
- Are there others who might help me develop more alternatives?
- Of the possible actions I am considering, which one is most reasonable? Why are the
others not as reasonable?
