WEEK 2: CRITICAL THINKING IN HEALTH ASSESSMENT
REVIEW:
Subjective Data + Objective Data = DATAbase Diagnosis
Note that:
The step from data collection to diagnosis can be a difficult one.
Validate the data you collect to make sure they are accurate and correct.
CRITICAL THINKING
is a multidimensional thinking process to solve problems.
is a skill in identifying missing information or data.
is the process of intentional higher level thinking to define a client’s problem,
examine the evidence-based practice in caring for the client, and make choices
in the delivery of care.
involves affective components and requires the implementation of cognitive skills.
CLINICAL REASONING
is the cognitive process that uses thinking strategies to gather and analyze client
information, evaluate the relevance of the information, and decide on possible
nursing actions to improve the client’s physiological and psychosocial outcomes.
PURPOSES OF CRITICAL THINKING
1. Critical thinking is an essential skill needed for the identification of client
problems and the implementation of interventions to promote effective care
outcomes (Bittencourt & Crossetti, 2012).
2. Critical thinking is a metaphorical bridge between information and action
(Scheffer & Rubenfeld, 2010).
3. Critical thinking is used in the diagnostic process and the identification of an
accurate nursing diagnosis (Lunney, 2010).
ESSENTIAL ELEMENTS OF CRITICAL THINKING
1. Keep an open mind.
2. Use rationale to support opinions or decisions.
3. Reflect on thoughts before reaching a conclusion.
4. Use past clinical experiences to build knowledge.
5. Acquire an adequate knowledge base that continues to build.
6. Be aware of the interactions of others.
7. Be aware of the environment.
CHARACTERISTICS OF A CRITICAL THINKER (Nurse)
Thinks in a rational, self-directed, intelligent, and purposeful manner.
Open- minded and explores of alternatives.
Reflects on thoughts and gathers more information when necessary.
Uses each clinical experience to learn new information and to add to the
knowledge base.
Ten (10) AFFECTIVE Components (Habits of the Mind)
1. Confidence
2. Contextual perspective
3. Creativity
4. Flexibility
5. Inquisitiveness
6. Intellectual integrity
7. Intuition
8. Open-mindedness
9. Perseverance
10. Reflection
Seven (7) COGNITIVE Components (Skills)
1. Analyzing
2. Applying standard
3. Discriminating
4. Information seeking
5. Logical reasoning
6. Predicting
7. Transforming knowledge
TECHNIQUES IN CRITICAL THINKING
In addition to the 10 affective and 7 cognitive components of critical thinking, the
nurse uses other techniques to ensure effective problem solving and decision making.
1. Critical analysis
2. Inductive and deductive reasoning
3. Making valid inferences
4. Differentiating facts from opinions
5. Evaluating the credibility of information sources
6. Clarifying concepts
7. Recognizing assumptions
TECHNIQUES IN CRITICAL THINKING
1. Critical Analysis
is the application of a set of questions to a particular situation or idea to
determine essential information and ideas and discard unimportant information
and ideas.
2. Inductive Reasoning
generalizations are formed from a set of facts or observations.
it is from specific examples (premises) to a generalized conclusion.
Deductive reasoning
is reasoning from general premise to the specific conclusion.
3. Nurses use critical thinking to help analyze situations and establish which
inferences are valid.
4. Nurse also differentiates statements of fact, inference, judgment, and opinion.
Facts - Can be verified through investigation.
Inferences- Conclusions drawn from the facts; going beyond facts to make a
statement about something not currently known.
Judgments - Evaluation of facts or information that reflects values or other
criteria; a type of opinion.
Opinions - Beliefs formed over time; include judgments that may fit facts or
be erroneous
EXAMPLES:
Facts - Blood pressure is affected by blood volume.
Inferences - If blood volume is decreased (e.g., in hemorrhagic shock),
the blood pressure will drop.
Judgments - It is harmful to the client’s health if the blood pressure
drops too low.
Opinions - Nursing interventions can assist in maintaining the client’s
blood pressure within normal limits.
5. Evaluating the credibility of information sources is an important step in critical
thinking.
6. The nurse and the client must agree on the meaning of terms to comprehend a
client situation clearly.
7. If the nurse and client recognize that they make choices based on these
assumptions, they can still work together toward an acceptable plan of care.
