Chapter 15: Critical Thinking in Nursing Practice

1. What is the definition of critical thinking? – the ability to think in a systemic and 

logical manner with openness to question and reflect on the reasoning process 

2. What are characteristics of critical thinking? – open-mindedness, continual inquiry, 

perseverance, combined with a willingness to look at each unique patient situation and 

determine which identified assumptions are true and relevant. 

3. What is clinical decision making? – a product of critical thinking, focuses on problem 

resolution. 

4. Describe and explain the critical thinking model, what are the components and 

levels? 

a. Includes 3 levels 

i. Basic – Nurses follow a step-by-step process without deviation from the 

plan.

ii. Complex – Nurses analyze and examines choices; they realize that 

alternative (or even conflicting) solutions exist 

iii. Commitment – Nurses anticipate needs and make choices with no 

assistance from others 

b. Components of critical thinking 

i. Specific knowledge base – allows nurse to better anticipate or identify 

problems by understanding their origin and nature 

ii. Experience 

iii. Competencies – applying critical thinking to each part of the nursing 

process 

iv. Attitudes – how does the nurse approach the problem

v. Standards – intellectual (logical / rational) and professional (ethical)

c. What is needed first before anything else?

5. Describe the following terms and know examples of each:

a. Interpretation – an explanation. Be orderly in data collection, look for patterns to

categorize data, and clarify any uncertain data. 

b. Analysis – recognizing patterns or trends and comparing them with standards. Be 

open minded when you look at patient information, make accurate assumptions.

c. Inference – conclusion based on evidence and reasoning. Look at meaning and 

importance of findings, does the patient’s data help you see that a problem exists?

d. Evaluation – A process that critically examines a program. Look at all solutions 

objectively. Use criteria to determine results of nursing actions, reflect on your 

own behavior.

e. Explanation – A statement that makes something clear. support your findings 

and conclusion.

f. Self-regulation – reflecting on your own experiences and connecting your actions

with outcomes.

g. Confidence – belief in oneself, feeling certain about an accomplishment or task. 

Learn how to introduce yourself with a patient, speak with conviction, be well 

prepared and encourage patients to ask questions. Don’t let patients think you’re 

unable to perform care.

h. Independence – challenging ways others think and considering all sides of the 

situation. Develop this by looking at different views on the same subject – talk 

with other nurses, read different literature.

i. Fairness – dealing justly with situations without prejudice or bias. Listen to both 

sides.

j. Responsibility – knowing your accountable for your decisions, actions, and 

critical thinking

k. Risk taking – recommend alternatives and questioning approaches using your 

knowledge 

l. Discipline – being orderly and systematic when collecting information or taking 

action, be thorough in what you do with good time management 

m. Perseverance – means to keep looking for more resources until you find a 

successful approach.

n. Creativity – look for different approaches if interventions aren’t working for the 

patient.

o. Curiosity- always ask why, explore and learn more about the patient.

p. Integrity – recognize when your opinions conflict with those of the patient. Do 

not compromise nursing standards or honesty in delivering care.

q. Humility – recognize when you need more information to make a decision. Ask 

for help when needed.

r. Truth seeking – seek the true meaning of a situation.

s. Open-mindedness – be tolerant of different views, respect others and reflect on 

your own prejudice. 

t. Analytic approach - breaks down a problem into elements necessary to solve it.

analyze potentially problematic situations and outcomes.

u. Systematic approach – prioritize issues appropriately, be organized and focused.

v. Self-confidence- trust in your own reasoning processes 

w. Inquisitiveness - be eager to acquire knowledge and learn explanations

x. Maturity – multiple solutions are acceptable. Reflect on your own judgements, 

have cognitive maturity.