The nurse has received advanced orders for a patient that she is expecting to be admitted from the emergency room (ER). The patient's name is Mr. Herman Goldstein. Trying to get ahead on her task, the nurse changes the patient's diet from "Regular" to "Kosher." When the patient reaches the unit, the nurse discovers that the patient is Catholic even though his father is Jewish. The nurse is guilty of giving in to:
a. illogical thinking.
b. a bias.
c. closed-mindedness.
d. an erroneous assumption.
ANS: D
Assumptions are beliefs that are taken for granted and assumed to be true. Assumptions can be unjustified or justified, depending on whether there are good reasons for them. Erroneous assumptions can lead to safety issues in the clinical setting. Illogical thinking is characterized by a failure to follow rational, systematic processes when approaching an issue or problem. Often making hasty generalizations and assumptions that do not consider the evidence, the illogical thinker may jump to conclusions. Decisions may be unduly influenced by bias, which is an inclination or tendency to favoritism or partiality. Bias may be related to a preconceived notion or prejudice such as believing that "these people seek their medication." It is important for nurses to examine personal biases because they can negatively impact care. Errors in thinking and decision making can result from intentionally overlooking alternatives suggested by others. When relevant information from patients or experts is ignored due to closed-mindedness, nursing care can be compromised. Closed-minded individuals often believe that their way is the best and preferred way.
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