Critical thinking is an integral part of nursing care. What does critical thinking do when applied to nursing? (Mark all that apply.)

Question

A) Enhances clinical decision making
B) Identifies patient desires
C) Plans the best nursing actions to assist the patients in meeting their needs
D) Gradually develops independent judgments and decisions
E) Helps identify patient needs

Answer 1

Ans: A, D, E
Feedback: Independent judgments and decisions evolve from a sound knowledge base and the ability to synthesize information within the context in which it is presented. Critical thinking enhances clinical decision making, helping to identify patient needs and the best nursing actions that will assist patients in meeting those needs. Critical thinking does not identify patient desires nor does it plan the best nursing actions to assist patients in meeting their needs; it identifies the best nursing actions.