A nurse is caring for an immobile client with a large pressure ulcer o

A nurse is caring for an immobile client with a large pressure ulcer on her left ankle. Which of the following statements by the nurse best reflects critical thinking regarding client care?

1. “I’m sure that friction and pressure have caused this problem.”
2. “Please be sure that her ankles are well padded when you place her in bed.”
3. “Do you have any suggestions on how we can minimize the pressure to her an-kles?”
4. “It was an ineffective turning schedule that allowed this to happen so now we will reposition every hour.”

ANSWER

ANS: 3
Nurses who apply critical thinking in their work focus on options for solving problems and mak-ing decisions, rather than quickly and carelessly forming quick solutions. Asking for staff input regarding interventions shows critical thinking. While Answer 1 may be true, it is knowledge or experience, not critical thinking, that brought about this conclusion. Although Answer 2 may represent an appropriate intervention, it is knowledge or experience, not critical thinking, that brought about this conclusion. While Answer 4 may be true and an example of an appropriate intervention, it is knowledge or experience, not critical thinking, that brought about this conclu-sion.