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)
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)
