nursing thought process

[PromiseRN]

When I was born I dreamed of being a nurse. (giggle) no really I've never wanted anything else as a career except nursing. I begin the program fall 2011. Last night my grandmother asked me if I know how to "think critically" ever since I've been questioning myself. What did she mean? and is that taught in school? What's an example of critical thinking? Will my brain automatically switch to this mode?

[Mike R, ADN, BSN, RN]

Honestly, I think critically thinking is just another term for common sense. Actions cause predictable reactions to which as a nurse you can accommodate for.

A patient has low blood pressure and has to use the restroom. Are you going to let them walk to the bathroom without assistance?

Your giving Lasix (a drug that makes you pee a lot, and in the process you loose a lot of potassium). Don't you want to know what their latest potassium labs are?

There are more in depth scenarios, but you get the idea.

[PromiseRN]

Yes. I understand. And I also understand that the situations get more complicated. Thanks for your insight. Critical thinking =common sence which is not so common

[ashleyisawesome, BSN, RN]

its pretty much the act of gaining knowledge and knowing how to apply it in real life situations, rather than just learning things.. if that makes sense.

prioritization is big, many test questions have 2 or more "correct" answers, but you must pick the MOST correct.

EX.

pt's labs show Calcium level of 14 mg/dl (hypercalcemia). What is the nurses priority intervention?

a. Assist the patient in choosing a diet low in calcium rich foods.

b. Administer normal saline as ordered by the physician.

c. Assist pt with range of motion excessive

d. Implement strict fall precautions for this patient.

the answer would be B. All of the answers would be examples of things to do with someone experiencing hypercalcemia, but the priority would be to give them fluids to dilute the serum calcium levels.

i hope this helps a bit. :)

[llg, PhD, RN]

Yes. I understand. And I also understand that the situations get more complicated. Thanks for your insight. Critical thinking =common sence which is not so common

Some people can memorize facts for a test ... but have no ability to apply that facts in a real-life situation. We need to put the facts together to develop an understanding of the situation ... and then figure out what action to take. You seem to grasp the concept pretty well: I'm betting that you'll do just fine.

[lillymom]

Someone already posted what I wrote. :)