CRITICAL THINKING………..

Critical Thinking What is critical thinking??? …..”the intellectually disciplined process of actively and skillfully conceptualizing, applying, analyzing, synthesizing, and/or evaluating information gathered from, or generated by, observation, experience, reflection, reasoning, or communication, as a guide to belief and action.”

Critical Thinking….. Why Critical Thinking is Important: ● It is required ● Is essential for successfully answering questions on the NCLEX-RN ● Your success and survival as a practitioner will depend on your critical thinking abilities

Critical Thinking…. Characteristics of a Critical Thinker… Being open to views that are new and to different viewpoints Being able to express and present ideas in an organized manner Having evidence and logical reasoning to support ideas and views Listening to others but thinking for one’s self Recognizes and challenges statements or ideas accepted as true without supporting data Identifies and explores as many alternatives as possible when analyzing a situation Utilizes logical reasoning skills

Critical Thinking…. Views of a Critical Thinker: Separates relevant from irrelevant information Spots inconsistencies in a line of reasoning Identifies and challenges assumptions Separates verifiable facts from value claims Identifies doubtful or unclear claims and arguments

Critical Thinking…. Questions a Critical Thinker Asks: What is the purpose of my thinking? How well am I articulating the question I am trying to answer? What is my frame of reference? What am I taking for granted? Once I have come to a conclusion, what are the implications?

Critical Thinking……. Nurses use critical thinking skills in a variety of ways:  Use knowledge from other subjects and fields  Deal with change in stressful environments  Make important decisions

Critical Thinking…. How is CT Measured? CT cannot be observed directly Faculty will utilize various observable ways to evaluate CT skills (care plans, nursing process, clinical situations, learning exercises, exams requiring recall of knowledge etc.)

Critical Thinking…. Involves more than problem solving Everyone has some CT skills in which to build on How one expands this skill is not well established MUST have a sound knowledge base

Critical Thinking…. Test Taking and Critical Thinking… ► Test success involves more than problem solving ► You will be required to recall prior knowledge and apply it to a situation

Critical Thinking and Test Taking Let’s look at some examples…. Nursing faculty teaching maternity nursing could have a multiple-choice question on the age at which the anterior fontanel normally closes What does this question require?

Critical Thinking and Test Taking Let’s look at some examples…. A question aimed at evaluating CT skills would be far different: You are assessing a 25-month-old child. On assessment, you find a smiling child with a soft spot in the area of the anterior fontanel. Based on this information the best nursing action would be...

Critical Thinking and Test Taking Let’s look at some examples…. The nurse is evaluating the lab values for a new admit and notes the potassium level to be 6.0 meq/L. The nurse knows normal potassium is: a. 3.5 – 5.0. b c. 4.5 – 6.0. d. 2.0 – 4.5.

Critical Thinking and Test Taking Let’s look at some examples…. You are evaluating the laboratory results on a client who was just admitted to the hospital. You note the patient has a potassium level of 6.0 meq/L. What nursing action will you do first? a. Call the physician. b. Call the lab to redraw the blood. c. Place client on a cardiac monitor. d. Instruct the patient to stay in bed.

Critical Thinking and Test Taking Let’s look at some examples…. You are assigned to care for an 8- year old child with a diagnosis of a basilar skull fracture. After reviewing the physician’s orders you would contact the physician to question which order? a.Clear liquids only b.Maintain a patent IV line c.Daily weight d.Suction as needed

Critical Thinking and Test Taking Let’s look at some examples….Alternative style format questions (Multiple Response) A client with lung carcinoma develops syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone (SIADH). The nurse anticipates that which of the following may be prescribed? ___ Increased fluid intake ___ Decreased oral sodium intake ___ Serum sodium blood levels ___ Antagonistic medication to antidiuretic hormone ___ Radiation or chemotherapy

Critical Thinking THE END “This product was funded by a grant awarded under the President’s Community-Based Job Training Grants as implemented by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Employment and Training Administration. The information contained in this product was created by a grantee organization and does not necessarily reflect the official position of the U.S. Department of Labor. All references to non- governmental companies or organizations, their services, products, or resources are offered for informational purposes and should not be construed as an endorsement by the Department of Labor. This product is copyrighted by the institution that created it and is intended for individual organizational, non-commercial use only.”