Winningham’s Critical Thinking Cases in Nursing 6th
Edition Test Bank
A
(Decision making requires choosing a solution to a problem. Reasoning is the process by
which a nurse is able to focus and filter information and determine what is most important to
consider. A systematic, analytic approach in finding solutions is termed problem solving, and
judgment is the process of forming an opinion by comparing solutions through reasoning.) -
ANSWERSThe patient is complaining of severe incisional pain 2 days after surgery. The patient
has
Morphine ordered intravenously or by mouth. When the nurse chooses to give the medication
orally, this is an example of which thought process?
a. Decision making
b. Reasoning
c. Problem solving
d. Judgment
D
(Processes dependent on critical thinking include problem solving, decision making, reasoning,
and judgment. Judgment is the process of forming an opinion by comparing solutions through
reasoning. The nurse observes that the patient's pain level is not decreasing and further
assesses the pain level through discussions with the patient. The nurse concludes that the
patient's pain should be further addressed and contacts the provider. Decision making requires
choosing a solution to a problem. The student is making a decision by reviewing two pertinent
resources related to the removal of staples. Reasoning is the process by which a nurse links
thoughts, ideas and facts together in a logical way. A systematic approach in finding solutions
,is termed problem solving - ANSWERSThe nurse is reviewing the last 3 days of a patient's pain
history and notes that the pain level
has remained constant. The nurse validates the pain level with the patient and decides to
contact the provider for further Uord S ers.
NIn T this scen Oario, which process is the nurse is using?
a. Decision making
b. Reasoning
c. Problem solving
d. Judgment
C
(Clinical reasoning uses critical thinking, knowledge, and experience to develop solutions to
problems and make decisions in a clinical setting. A nurse's clinical-reasoning skills develop
over time with increased knowledge and expertise.) - ANSWERSThe nurse has been hired for a
first job and is nervous about making errors in clinical judgment. It is important for the nurse to
realize that clinical reasoning and the ability to make decisions in a clinical setting occurs at
which time?
a. When it has been instilled in the content covered in nursing school.
b. When it is solely based in clinical experience.
c. When it develops over time with increased knowledge and expertise.
d. When it is an expectation of all nurses regardless of experience.
C
(A role-play strategy involves assigning learners to different roles based on expected outcomes
in a particular setting. Other learners and facilitators observe the role playing, and then all are
involved in the debriefing or discussion of the scenario. As with simulation, this approach
allows learners to interact in N a U sa R fe S, c I oN nt G ro T llB ed .e C nv O ir M onment. The
concept map is a way to
,organize and visualize data to identify relationships and solve problems. Simulated
experiences enable the student to apply previously learned content in a safe and realistic
environment that allows time for questioning, clarifying, and feedback. Students develop
confidence in providing direct nursing care. Because critical thinking cannot occur about
subjects that are unknown, a review of literature may foster this type of thinking by
addressing knowledge deficits. - ANSWERSThe nurse is taking an advanced cardiac life support
(ACLS) recertification class. As part of
that class, the nurse and other nurses in the group rotate responsibilities during multiple mock
code exercises simulating cardiac arrest scenarios. The nurse recognizes what process is
assigning the nurses to these different responsibilities?
a. Concept mapping
b. Simulation
c. Role playing
d. Literature review
C
(Nursing practice is based on the application of knowledge to address patient problems. In this
case, the nurse is able to connect the medication, physical signs and laboratory data to
determine a course of action. Nurses may "think aloud" as an inner dialogue to examine their
thinking. The literature review is used to address knowledge gaps through the review of
scholarly journals. A role-play strategy involves assigning learners to different roles based on
expected outcomes in a particular setting. Other learners and facilitators observe the role
playing, and then all are involved in the debriefing or discussion of the scenario. - ANSWERSThe
nurse is preparing to administer an anticoagulant when the patient says, "Why do I have
these bruises on my arms?" The nurse reviews the patient's blood tests and notes an abnormal
bleeding time. When the nurse then decides to hold the medication and notify the health care
provider, the nurse recognizes this to be an example of which action?
, a. Thinking aloud
b. Reviewing the literature
c. Applying knowledge
d. Role playing
A
(Whether in an academic setting or in the clinical area, discussion of a problem, issue, or
situation with colleagues may improve critical thinking. Through dialogue with others who
have expertise or experience with the issue being faced, knowledge gaps can be filled,
erroneous assumptions exposed, and unconscious biases addressed. Not starting the
intravenous line is not an option at this point. A literature review to gain published
information about intravenous complications may be appropriate after the patient's concern
has been addressed. Initially co U ntaS ctinN g thT e provid O er without fully exploring the
options for
alternate insertion sites is neither wise nor recommended. - ANSWERSThe nurse is preparing to
restart a patient's intravenous line and discovers that the patient has
no usable veins in either arm. When working to solve this problem, the nurse should carry out
which action?
a. Discuss the problem with the nurse in charge.
b. Not start the intravenous line.
c. Conduct an Internet search for infusion journal articles.
d. Contact the provider and report the concern.
D
(Reflection is an effective tool that enables students and nurses to think about how best to
improve their future caregiving in similar situations. The results of deliberate thinking are
used to guide further thinking. Identification and use of evidence is necessary to guide
Edition Test Bank
A
(Decision making requires choosing a solution to a problem. Reasoning is the process by
which a nurse is able to focus and filter information and determine what is most important to
consider. A systematic, analytic approach in finding solutions is termed problem solving, and
judgment is the process of forming an opinion by comparing solutions through reasoning.) -
ANSWERSThe patient is complaining of severe incisional pain 2 days after surgery. The patient
has
Morphine ordered intravenously or by mouth. When the nurse chooses to give the medication
orally, this is an example of which thought process?
a. Decision making
b. Reasoning
c. Problem solving
d. Judgment
D
(Processes dependent on critical thinking include problem solving, decision making, reasoning,
and judgment. Judgment is the process of forming an opinion by comparing solutions through
reasoning. The nurse observes that the patient's pain level is not decreasing and further
assesses the pain level through discussions with the patient. The nurse concludes that the
patient's pain should be further addressed and contacts the provider. Decision making requires
choosing a solution to a problem. The student is making a decision by reviewing two pertinent
resources related to the removal of staples. Reasoning is the process by which a nurse links
thoughts, ideas and facts together in a logical way. A systematic approach in finding solutions
,is termed problem solving - ANSWERSThe nurse is reviewing the last 3 days of a patient's pain
history and notes that the pain level
has remained constant. The nurse validates the pain level with the patient and decides to
contact the provider for further Uord S ers.
NIn T this scen Oario, which process is the nurse is using?
a. Decision making
b. Reasoning
c. Problem solving
d. Judgment
C
(Clinical reasoning uses critical thinking, knowledge, and experience to develop solutions to
problems and make decisions in a clinical setting. A nurse's clinical-reasoning skills develop
over time with increased knowledge and expertise.) - ANSWERSThe nurse has been hired for a
first job and is nervous about making errors in clinical judgment. It is important for the nurse to
realize that clinical reasoning and the ability to make decisions in a clinical setting occurs at
which time?
a. When it has been instilled in the content covered in nursing school.
b. When it is solely based in clinical experience.
c. When it develops over time with increased knowledge and expertise.
d. When it is an expectation of all nurses regardless of experience.
C
(A role-play strategy involves assigning learners to different roles based on expected outcomes
in a particular setting. Other learners and facilitators observe the role playing, and then all are
involved in the debriefing or discussion of the scenario. As with simulation, this approach
allows learners to interact in N a U sa R fe S, c I oN nt G ro T llB ed .e C nv O ir M onment. The
concept map is a way to
,organize and visualize data to identify relationships and solve problems. Simulated
experiences enable the student to apply previously learned content in a safe and realistic
environment that allows time for questioning, clarifying, and feedback. Students develop
confidence in providing direct nursing care. Because critical thinking cannot occur about
subjects that are unknown, a review of literature may foster this type of thinking by
addressing knowledge deficits. - ANSWERSThe nurse is taking an advanced cardiac life support
(ACLS) recertification class. As part of
that class, the nurse and other nurses in the group rotate responsibilities during multiple mock
code exercises simulating cardiac arrest scenarios. The nurse recognizes what process is
assigning the nurses to these different responsibilities?
a. Concept mapping
b. Simulation
c. Role playing
d. Literature review
C
(Nursing practice is based on the application of knowledge to address patient problems. In this
case, the nurse is able to connect the medication, physical signs and laboratory data to
determine a course of action. Nurses may "think aloud" as an inner dialogue to examine their
thinking. The literature review is used to address knowledge gaps through the review of
scholarly journals. A role-play strategy involves assigning learners to different roles based on
expected outcomes in a particular setting. Other learners and facilitators observe the role
playing, and then all are involved in the debriefing or discussion of the scenario. - ANSWERSThe
nurse is preparing to administer an anticoagulant when the patient says, "Why do I have
these bruises on my arms?" The nurse reviews the patient's blood tests and notes an abnormal
bleeding time. When the nurse then decides to hold the medication and notify the health care
provider, the nurse recognizes this to be an example of which action?
, a. Thinking aloud
b. Reviewing the literature
c. Applying knowledge
d. Role playing
A
(Whether in an academic setting or in the clinical area, discussion of a problem, issue, or
situation with colleagues may improve critical thinking. Through dialogue with others who
have expertise or experience with the issue being faced, knowledge gaps can be filled,
erroneous assumptions exposed, and unconscious biases addressed. Not starting the
intravenous line is not an option at this point. A literature review to gain published
information about intravenous complications may be appropriate after the patient's concern
has been addressed. Initially co U ntaS ctinN g thT e provid O er without fully exploring the
options for
alternate insertion sites is neither wise nor recommended. - ANSWERSThe nurse is preparing to
restart a patient's intravenous line and discovers that the patient has
no usable veins in either arm. When working to solve this problem, the nurse should carry out
which action?
a. Discuss the problem with the nurse in charge.
b. Not start the intravenous line.
c. Conduct an Internet search for infusion journal articles.
d. Contact the provider and report the concern.
D
(Reflection is an effective tool that enables students and nurses to think about how best to
improve their future caregiving in similar situations. The results of deliberate thinking are
used to guide further thinking. Identification and use of evidence is necessary to guide
