While the nurse assesses a client who is hospitalized for an acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), the client becomes very short of breath

Question

The nurse recognizes the need to stop the assessment to initiate respiratory support interventions. This is an example of which phase of critical thinking? 1. Collection of information
2. Evaluation
3. Generation of alternatives
4. Analysis of the situation

Answer 1

4
Rationale 1: Collection of information is the initial step in the process. During this phase the nurse will assess available information.
Rationale 2: Evaluation is the final step in the process. During evaluation the nurse will determine the effectiveness of actions taken.
Rationale 3: When generating alternatives for action the nurse will use critical thinking skills to determine available options for action.
Rationale 4: The nurse in the scenario will need to employ assessment skills to review and analyze the situation. The analysis will provide the nurse with the understanding of what the best plan of action will be.