Which step should be done first for effective decision making to occur

QUESTION

Which step should be done first for effective decision making to occur?

1. Categorize information in order of importance.
2. Classify information into categories.
3. Gather information to define the issue.
4. Brainstorm ideas about potential outcomes.

ANSWER:

Answer: 3

Rationale: Decision making begins with collecting the facts, which provides clues to the scope and importance of the issue. As with the nursing process, this assessment must come first. Classification of information into categories such as human factors and technical problems occurs after information has been gathered. Brainstorming is used to develop solutions after information about the issue is analyzed. The information cannot be sorted into an orderly arrangement until it has been collected.