NR224 Fundamentals Exam 1 Study Guide
Chapter 15: Critical Thinking in Nursing Practice
1. What is the definition of critical thinking?– the ability to think in a systemic and
logical manner with openness to question and reflect on the reasoning process
2. What are characteristics of critical thinking?–open-mindedness, continual inquiry,
perseverance, combined with a willingness to look at each unique patient situation and
determine which identified assumptions are true and relevant.
3. What is clinical decision making? – a product of critical thinking, focuses on problem
resolution.
4. Describe and explain the critical thinking model, what are the components and
levels?
a. Includes 3 levels
i. Basic –Nurses follow a step-by-step process without deviation from the
plan.
ii. Complex –Nurses analyze and examines choices; they realize that
alternative (or even conflicting) solutions exist
iii. Commitment –Nurses anticipate needs and make choices with no
assistance from others
b. Components of critical thinking
i. Specific knowledge base – allows nurse to better anticipate or identify
problems by understanding their origin and nature
ii. Experience
iii. Competencies – applying critical thinking to each part of the nursing
process
iv. Attitudes – how does the nurse approach the problem
v. Standards – intellectual (logical / rational) and professional (ethical)
c. What is needed first before anything else?
5. Describe the following terms and know examples of each:
a. Interpretation–an explanation. Be orderly in data collection, look for patterns to
categorize data, and clarify any uncertain data.
b. Analysis – recognizing patterns or trends and comparing them with standards. Be
open minded when you look at patient information, make accurate assumptions.
c. Inference–conclusion based on evidence and reasoning. Look at meaning and
importance of findings, does the patient’s data help you see that a problem exists?
, d. Evaluation–A process that critically examines a program.Look at all solutions
objectively. Use criteria to determine results of nursing actions, reflect on your
own behavior.
e. Explanation – A statement that makes something clear. support your findings and
conclusion.
f. Self-regulation – reflecting on your own experiences and connecting your actions
with outcomes.
g. Confidence – belief in oneself, feeling certain about an accomplishment or task.
Learn how to introduce yourself with a patient, speak with conviction, be well
prepared and encourage patients to ask questions. Don’t let patients think you’re
unable to perform care.
h. Independence – challenging ways others think and considering all sides of the
situation. Develop this by looking at different views on the same subject – talk
with other nurses, read different literature.
i. Fairness – dealing justly with situations without prejudice or bias. Listen to both
sides.
j. Responsibility – knowing your accountable for your decisions, actions, and
critical thinking
k. Risk taking – recommend alternatives and questioning approaches using your
knowledge
l. Discipline – being orderly and systematic when collecting information or taking
action, be thorough in what you do with good time management
m. Perseverance – means to keep looking for more resources until you find a
successful approach.
n. Creativity – look for different approaches if interventions aren’t working for the
patient.
o. Curiosity- always ask why, explore and learn more about the patient.
p. Integrity –recognize when your opinions conflict with those of the patient. Do
not compromise nursing standards or honesty in delivering care.
q. Humility –recognize when you need more information to make a decision. Ask
for help when needed.
r. Truth seeking–seek the true meaning of a situation.
Chapter 15: Critical Thinking in Nursing Practice
1. What is the definition of critical thinking?– the ability to think in a systemic and
logical manner with openness to question and reflect on the reasoning process
2. What are characteristics of critical thinking?–open-mindedness, continual inquiry,
perseverance, combined with a willingness to look at each unique patient situation and
determine which identified assumptions are true and relevant.
3. What is clinical decision making? – a product of critical thinking, focuses on problem
resolution.
4. Describe and explain the critical thinking model, what are the components and
levels?
a. Includes 3 levels
i. Basic –Nurses follow a step-by-step process without deviation from the
plan.
ii. Complex –Nurses analyze and examines choices; they realize that
alternative (or even conflicting) solutions exist
iii. Commitment –Nurses anticipate needs and make choices with no
assistance from others
b. Components of critical thinking
i. Specific knowledge base – allows nurse to better anticipate or identify
problems by understanding their origin and nature
ii. Experience
iii. Competencies – applying critical thinking to each part of the nursing
process
iv. Attitudes – how does the nurse approach the problem
v. Standards – intellectual (logical / rational) and professional (ethical)
c. What is needed first before anything else?
5. Describe the following terms and know examples of each:
a. Interpretation–an explanation. Be orderly in data collection, look for patterns to
categorize data, and clarify any uncertain data.
b. Analysis – recognizing patterns or trends and comparing them with standards. Be
open minded when you look at patient information, make accurate assumptions.
c. Inference–conclusion based on evidence and reasoning. Look at meaning and
importance of findings, does the patient’s data help you see that a problem exists?
, d. Evaluation–A process that critically examines a program.Look at all solutions
objectively. Use criteria to determine results of nursing actions, reflect on your
own behavior.
e. Explanation – A statement that makes something clear. support your findings and
conclusion.
f. Self-regulation – reflecting on your own experiences and connecting your actions
with outcomes.
g. Confidence – belief in oneself, feeling certain about an accomplishment or task.
Learn how to introduce yourself with a patient, speak with conviction, be well
prepared and encourage patients to ask questions. Don’t let patients think you’re
unable to perform care.
h. Independence – challenging ways others think and considering all sides of the
situation. Develop this by looking at different views on the same subject – talk
with other nurses, read different literature.
i. Fairness – dealing justly with situations without prejudice or bias. Listen to both
sides.
j. Responsibility – knowing your accountable for your decisions, actions, and
critical thinking
k. Risk taking – recommend alternatives and questioning approaches using your
knowledge
l. Discipline – being orderly and systematic when collecting information or taking
action, be thorough in what you do with good time management
m. Perseverance – means to keep looking for more resources until you find a
successful approach.
n. Creativity – look for different approaches if interventions aren’t working for the
patient.
o. Curiosity- always ask why, explore and learn more about the patient.
p. Integrity –recognize when your opinions conflict with those of the patient. Do
not compromise nursing standards or honesty in delivering care.
q. Humility –recognize when you need more information to make a decision. Ask
for help when needed.
r. Truth seeking–seek the true meaning of a situation.
