Critical Thinking, Clinical Judgment & Prioritization in Nursing – Study Guide & Practice Questions 1 2026-03-27
Critical Thinking, Clinical
Judgment & Prioritization
in Nursing – Study Guide &
Practice Questions
Guidehttps://www.stuvia.com/dashboard!@_)#*)(@$)($@*($@)($@*_Page 1
Page 1 of 18 Critical Thinking, Clinical Judgment & Prioritization in Nursing – Study Guide & Practice Questions.pdf
,Critical Thinking, Clinical Judgment & Prioritization in Nursing 2 2026-03-27
What is critical thinking in A systematic and logical thought process
nursing? using reflection, inquiry, and exploration to
make informed decisions.
What is clinical reasoning? Ways of thinking about patient care issues,
including determining, preventing, and
managing patient problems.
Define clinical judgment. The outcome of critical thinking or clinical
reasoning, leading to conclusions,
decisions, or opinions made about patient
care.
Page 2 of 18 Page 2 Critical Thinking, Clinical Judgment & Prioritization in Nursing.pdf
, Critical Thinking, Clinical Judgment & Prioritization in Nursing 3 2026-03-27
What are the three levels of Level 1: Basic, Level 2: Complex, Level 3:
critical thinking? Commitment.
Describe Level 1: Basic critical A nurse trusts that experts have the right
thinking. answer; concrete thinking based on rules.
Provide an example of Level 1 A nurse tells a client to wait 2 more hours
critical thinking. for pain medication instead of reassessing
pain.
Page 3 of 18 Page 3 Critical Thinking, Clinical Judgment & Prioritization in Nursing.pdf
Critical Thinking, Clinical
Judgment & Prioritization
in Nursing – Study Guide &
Practice Questions
Guidehttps://www.stuvia.com/dashboard!@_)#*)(@$)($@*($@)($@*_Page 1
Page 1 of 18 Critical Thinking, Clinical Judgment & Prioritization in Nursing – Study Guide & Practice Questions.pdf
,Critical Thinking, Clinical Judgment & Prioritization in Nursing 2 2026-03-27
What is critical thinking in A systematic and logical thought process
nursing? using reflection, inquiry, and exploration to
make informed decisions.
What is clinical reasoning? Ways of thinking about patient care issues,
including determining, preventing, and
managing patient problems.
Define clinical judgment. The outcome of critical thinking or clinical
reasoning, leading to conclusions,
decisions, or opinions made about patient
care.
Page 2 of 18 Page 2 Critical Thinking, Clinical Judgment & Prioritization in Nursing.pdf
, Critical Thinking, Clinical Judgment & Prioritization in Nursing 3 2026-03-27
What are the three levels of Level 1: Basic, Level 2: Complex, Level 3:
critical thinking? Commitment.
Describe Level 1: Basic critical A nurse trusts that experts have the right
thinking. answer; concrete thinking based on rules.
Provide an example of Level 1 A nurse tells a client to wait 2 more hours
critical thinking. for pain medication instead of reassessing
pain.
Page 3 of 18 Page 3 Critical Thinking, Clinical Judgment & Prioritization in Nursing.pdf
