Critical Thinking

Critical Thinking I. What is critical thinking? a. Combination of reasoned thinking, openness o alternatives, and ability to reflect and desire to seek truth. II. Critical thinkers ask questions. Inquiring minds what to know. a. What am I taking for granted b. Did I explore all points of view c. Do I understand the question d. What information do I need e. Do I need to report anything f. What complications should I anticipate g. Which is my highest priority h. Are there ethical or cultural issues I should consider III. What is health assessment? a. The collection of data about an individual’s health state IV. Assessment: Data Collection a. History: subjective data b. Physical exam: objective data c. Samples of objective vs. subjective data i. Sore shoulder ii. Unconscious iii. Blood in the urine iv. Dizziness v. Sore throat vi. Weight gain vii. Elevated temperature V. Nursing Process a. Definition: a systematic problem solving process that guides all nursing actions b. Purpose: to help the nurse provide goal directed. Client centered care c. Assessment i. Collect data 1. Review of the clinical record 2. Interview/ Health history 3. Physical exam 4. Functional assessment 5. Consultation 6. Review of the literature (evidence based practice) d. Nursing Process: Diagnosis i. Interpret data 1. Identify cluster of cues 2. Make inferences ii. Validate inferences (conclusion drawn from the evidence or reasoning iii. Compare clusters of cues with definitions and defining