NSG 300 TOPIC 5: CLINICAL JUDGMENT, CRITICAL THINKING, AND
DECISION-MAKING IN NURSING PRACTICE
Clinical judgment in nursing practice
The ability of a nurse to make decisions regarding patient care based on critical
thinking, evidence-based knowledge, and understanding of the patient's condition.
Critical thinking
The process of actively and skillfully conceptualizing, analyzing, synthesizing, and
evaluating information gathered from observation, experience, reflection,
reasoning, or communication as a guide to action.
Critical thinking attitudes
Confidence
Trusting in one's abilities and judgment.
Thinking independently
Analyzing information objectively without bias or influence.
Fairness
Considering all perspectives and information without prejudice.
Responsibility and accountability
Being answerable for one's actions and decisions.
Risk taking
Being willing to take calculated risks for the benefit of the patient.
Discipline
Applying systematic approaches to problem-solving and decision-making.
Perseverance
Persisting in the face of challenges or obstacles.
Creativity
, Thinking innovatively to find solutions.
Curiosity
Having an inquisitive mindset and seeking to learn more.
Integrity
Adhering to moral and ethical principles.
Humility and self-awareness
Recognizing limitations and being open to feedback.
Evaluation of clinical judgments
Reflection
Thoughtful consideration of one's actions, decisions, and experiences.
Meeting with colleagues
Collaborating with other healthcare professionals to discuss patient care.
Concept mapping
Visual representation of relationships among concepts to enhance understanding.
Critical thinking synthesis
Integrating various sources of information to form a coherent understanding.
Nursing assessment
Systematic collection and analysis of information about a patient's health status to
identify needs and establish a baseline for care.
Types of nursing assessments
Subjective data
Information provided by the patient, such as symptoms or feelings.
Objective data
Observable and measurable information, such as vital signs or lab results.
Review of systems (ROS)
DECISION-MAKING IN NURSING PRACTICE
Clinical judgment in nursing practice
The ability of a nurse to make decisions regarding patient care based on critical
thinking, evidence-based knowledge, and understanding of the patient's condition.
Critical thinking
The process of actively and skillfully conceptualizing, analyzing, synthesizing, and
evaluating information gathered from observation, experience, reflection,
reasoning, or communication as a guide to action.
Critical thinking attitudes
Confidence
Trusting in one's abilities and judgment.
Thinking independently
Analyzing information objectively without bias or influence.
Fairness
Considering all perspectives and information without prejudice.
Responsibility and accountability
Being answerable for one's actions and decisions.
Risk taking
Being willing to take calculated risks for the benefit of the patient.
Discipline
Applying systematic approaches to problem-solving and decision-making.
Perseverance
Persisting in the face of challenges or obstacles.
Creativity
, Thinking innovatively to find solutions.
Curiosity
Having an inquisitive mindset and seeking to learn more.
Integrity
Adhering to moral and ethical principles.
Humility and self-awareness
Recognizing limitations and being open to feedback.
Evaluation of clinical judgments
Reflection
Thoughtful consideration of one's actions, decisions, and experiences.
Meeting with colleagues
Collaborating with other healthcare professionals to discuss patient care.
Concept mapping
Visual representation of relationships among concepts to enhance understanding.
Critical thinking synthesis
Integrating various sources of information to form a coherent understanding.
Nursing assessment
Systematic collection and analysis of information about a patient's health status to
identify needs and establish a baseline for care.
Types of nursing assessments
Subjective data
Information provided by the patient, such as symptoms or feelings.
Objective data
Observable and measurable information, such as vital signs or lab results.
Review of systems (ROS)
