Which action should the nurse take when using critical thinking to make clinical decisions?
Reads and follows the health care provider's orders.
Accepts one established way to provide care.
Makes decisions based on intuition.
Consider what is important in any given situation.
The Correct Answer is D
A. Reads and follows the health care provider's orders. While following provider orders is important, critical thinking requires assessing the situation and considering all relevant factors, rather than just following orders without analysis.
B. Accepts one established way to provide care. Critical thinking involves evaluating different approaches and adapting to individual patient needs rather than rigidly adhering to a single method.
C. Makes decisions based on intuition. While intuition can be helpful, evidence-based practice and clinical reasoning should guide decision-making, not just intuition alone.
D. Consider what is important in any given situation. Critical thinking involves analyzing the situation, prioritizing information, and making decisions based on what is most important for patient safety and care.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Pleural effusion: A pleural effusion is the accumulation of fluid in the pleural space and is not directly related to atelectasis. Atelectasis is alveolar collapse and does not cause fluid buildup.
B. Hypoxemia: Atelectasis impairs gas exchange, leading to decreased oxygen levels (hypoxemia) due to collapsed alveoli. This is a hallmark finding.
C. Dysphagia: Dysphagia (difficulty swallowing) is not a direct symptom of atelectasis. It may be seen in stroke or esophageal disorders.
D. Apnea: Apnea (cessation of breathing) is not a typical sign of atelectasis. Atelectasis causes shallow breathing, dyspnea, and hypoxia rather than complete cessation.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Explaining to the patient that self-reporting of severe pain is not consistent with the minor procedure that was performed. Pain is subjective and should always be believed and assessed rather than dismissed based on procedure type. This does not demonstrate critical thinking.
B. Asking the patient what pain-relief methods, pharmacological and nonpharmacological, have worked best in the past. This approach assesses the patient’s individual experience and applies personalized care, which is a hallmark of critical thinking.
C. Administering pain-relief medication according to what was given last shift. Pain levels fluctuate, and medication effectiveness must be reassessed each time. Simply repeating the previous shift’s orders does not involve critical thinking.
D. Offering pain-relief medications based on the provider’s orders. While following orders is necessary, critical thinking involves assessing the patient’s pain level and determining the most appropriate intervention rather than blindly administering medication.
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