Critical Thinking Flashcards
What is critical thinking?
Purposeful, goal directed thinking based on scientific knowledge
It involves seeking and weighing alternatives and selecting the best one to meet the desired outcome
Why do nurses need to think critically?
To solve complex patient problems in a logical and clear manner (being thinkers and not just doers)
Provide safe, competent, and skillful nursing care to meet the needs of patients
To make reliable observations
It is mandated for accreditation of schools of nursing
What are the cognitive skills needed for appropriate clinical judgments?
Recognizing cues
Analyzing cues
Prioritizing hypotheses
Generate solutions
Evaluate outcomes
What are some novice nursing thinking patterns
Knowledge is organized as separate facts
Focus too much on actions, forgetting to assess before acting
Need clear cut rules
Unaware of resources
Hindered by anxiety and lack of self-confidence
What is a good mnemonic for prioritization?
American Burger, Cheese, Dill Pickles, Lettuce, Mustard, Tomato, Fries and a Drink
A- airway
B- breathing
C- circulation
D- diagnose (consider issues with diagnoses)
P- pain
L- lab issues
M- medication issues
T- teaching
F- fall prevention / safety
D- drains and tubes (IV,foley, wound drain)
