Chapter 2. Critical Thinking & the
Nursing Process
Chapter 2. Critical Thinking & the Nursing Process
Multiple Choice
Identify the choice that best completes the statement or answers the question.
1. Which of the following characteristics do the various definitions of critical
thinking have in common? Critical thinking:
1) Requires reasoned thought.
2) Asks the questions “why” or “how”.
3) Is a hierarchical process.
4) Demands specialized thinking skills.
2. A few nurses on a unit have proposed to the nurse manager that the process
for documenting care on the unit be changed. They have described a completely new
system. Why is it important for the nurse manager to have a critical attitude? It will
help the manager to:
1) Consider all the possible advantages and disadvantages.
2) Maintain an open mind about the proposed change.
3) Apply the nursing process to the situation.
Make a decision based on past experience with
4) documentation.
3. The nurse has just been assigned to the clinical care of a newly admitted
patient. To know how to best care for the patient, the nurse uses the nursing process.
Which step would the nurse probably do first?
1) Assessment
2) Diagnosis
3) Plan outcomes
4) Plan interventions
4. Which of the following is an example of theoretical knowledge?
1) A nurse uses sterile technique to catheterize a patient.
2) Room air has an oxygen concentration of 21%.
3) Glucose monitoring machines should be calibrated
, daily.
An irregular apical heart rate should be compared with
4) the radial pulse.
5. Which of the following is an example of practical knowledge (assume all are
true)?
The tricuspid valve is between the right atrium and
1) ventricle of the heart.
The pancreas does not produce enough insulin in type 1
2) diabetes.
When assessing the abdomen, you should auscultate
3) before palpating.
Research shows pain medication given intravenously
4) acts faster than by other routes.
6. Which of the following is an example of self-knowledge? The nurse thinks, “I
know that I:
Should take the client’s apical pulse for 1 minute before
1) giving digoxin.”
Should follow the client’s wishes even though it is not
2) what I would want.”
Have religious beliefs that may make it difficult to take
3) care of some clients.”
Need to honor the client’s request not to discuss his
4) health concern with the family.”
7. Which of the following is the most important reason for nurses to be critical
thinkers?
1) Nurses need to follow policies and procedures.
2) Nurses work with other healthcare team members.
Nurses care for clients who have multiple health
3) problems.
4) Nurses have to be flexible and work variable schedules.
8. The nurse administering pain medication every 4 hours is an example of
which aspect of patient care?
1) Assessment data
2) Nursing diagnosis
Nursing Process
Chapter 2. Critical Thinking & the Nursing Process
Multiple Choice
Identify the choice that best completes the statement or answers the question.
1. Which of the following characteristics do the various definitions of critical
thinking have in common? Critical thinking:
1) Requires reasoned thought.
2) Asks the questions “why” or “how”.
3) Is a hierarchical process.
4) Demands specialized thinking skills.
2. A few nurses on a unit have proposed to the nurse manager that the process
for documenting care on the unit be changed. They have described a completely new
system. Why is it important for the nurse manager to have a critical attitude? It will
help the manager to:
1) Consider all the possible advantages and disadvantages.
2) Maintain an open mind about the proposed change.
3) Apply the nursing process to the situation.
Make a decision based on past experience with
4) documentation.
3. The nurse has just been assigned to the clinical care of a newly admitted
patient. To know how to best care for the patient, the nurse uses the nursing process.
Which step would the nurse probably do first?
1) Assessment
2) Diagnosis
3) Plan outcomes
4) Plan interventions
4. Which of the following is an example of theoretical knowledge?
1) A nurse uses sterile technique to catheterize a patient.
2) Room air has an oxygen concentration of 21%.
3) Glucose monitoring machines should be calibrated
, daily.
An irregular apical heart rate should be compared with
4) the radial pulse.
5. Which of the following is an example of practical knowledge (assume all are
true)?
The tricuspid valve is between the right atrium and
1) ventricle of the heart.
The pancreas does not produce enough insulin in type 1
2) diabetes.
When assessing the abdomen, you should auscultate
3) before palpating.
Research shows pain medication given intravenously
4) acts faster than by other routes.
6. Which of the following is an example of self-knowledge? The nurse thinks, “I
know that I:
Should take the client’s apical pulse for 1 minute before
1) giving digoxin.”
Should follow the client’s wishes even though it is not
2) what I would want.”
Have religious beliefs that may make it difficult to take
3) care of some clients.”
Need to honor the client’s request not to discuss his
4) health concern with the family.”
7. Which of the following is the most important reason for nurses to be critical
thinkers?
1) Nurses need to follow policies and procedures.
2) Nurses work with other healthcare team members.
Nurses care for clients who have multiple health
3) problems.
4) Nurses have to be flexible and work variable schedules.
8. The nurse administering pain medication every 4 hours is an example of
which aspect of patient care?
1) Assessment data
2) Nursing diagnosis
