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.
