NR 224 Exam 1 Fundamentals Skills
Chamberlain 2026/2027 with Verified
Answers and Detailed Rationales
Question 1
What is critical thinking?
• A. The ability to memorize and recall factual information
• B. The ability to think in a systematic and logical manner with openness
to question and reflect on the reasoning process
• C. The ability to follow instructions without deviation
• D. The ability to work independently without supervision
Correct Answer: B. The ability to think in a systematic and logical manner
with openness to question and reflect on the reasoning process
Rationale:
1. Critical thinking involves systematic and logical analysis of information.
2. It requires openness to questioning one's own assumptions.
3. Reflection on the reasoning process is essential.
4. The source indicates B is correct.
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Question 2
Which of the following are characteristics of critical thinking? (Select all
that apply.)
• A. Open-mindedness
• B. Continual inquiry
• C. Perseverance
• D. Willingness to look at each unique patient situation and determine
which identified assumptions are true and relevant
Correct Answer: A, B, C, D
Rationale:
1. Open-mindedness allows consideration of alternative perspectives.
2. Continual inquiry drives ongoing learning and questioning.
3. Perseverance ensures thorough analysis despite challenges.
4. Willingness to evaluate assumptions is essential for critical thinking.
5. The source indicates all options are correct.
Question 3
What is clinical decision making?
• A. Following established protocols without variation
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• B. Requires careful reasoning (i.e., choosing the options for the best
patient outcomes on the basis of a patient's condition and the priority of
the problem)
• C. Making decisions based solely on intuition
• D. Delegating all decisions to other healthcare team members
Correct Answer: B. Requires careful reasoning (i.e., choosing the options for
the best patient outcomes on the basis of a patient's condition and the priority
of the problem)
Rationale:
1. Clinical decision making requires careful reasoning and analysis.
2. It involves selecting options based on patient condition and priorities.
3. Skilled clinical decision making occurs through knowing the patient.
4. The source indicates B is correct.
Question 4
What does the critical thinking model combine?
• A. Only a nurse's knowledge base and experience
• B. Only the nursing process and attitudes
• C. A nurse's knowledge base, experience, competence in the nursing
process, attitudes, and standards
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• D. Only standards and competence in the nursing process
Correct Answer: C. A nurse's knowledge base, experience, competence in the
nursing process, attitudes, and standards
Rationale:
1. The critical thinking model integrates multiple components.
2. Knowledge base and experience inform clinical judgments.
3. Competence in the nursing process is essential.
4. Attitudes and standards guide professional behavior.
5. The source indicates C is correct.
Question 5
What characterizes the basic level of critical thinking (Level 1)?
• A. The thinker accepts the diverse opinions and values of experts
• B. The thinker anticipates when to make choices without assistance
• C. The thinker considers complex alternatives and supports chosen
actions
• D. The thinker rejects all outside opinions
Correct Answer: A. The thinker accepts the diverse opinions and values of
experts
Rationale: