If a nurse leader is using critical thinking skills in deciding which

QUESTION

If a nurse leader is using critical thinking skills in deciding which of several options is the best, which concept would the nurse take into consideration?

1. The easiest alternative
2. The nursing process
3. Different situational effects
4. How the problem is usually handled

ANSWER:

Answer: 3

Rationale: The nurse leader would not use an alternative just because it’s the easiest. This nurse leader would consider all aspects of the situation before making a decision. Critical thinking involves choosing the best alternative from several, very much dependent upon the situation in which the problem occurred. Handling the problem the way it’s usually handled or choosing the easiest alternative might be easy, but would not involve critical thinking. The nursing process should be used in critical thinking, but the changing situation is the more defining and specific characteristic of critical thinking.