1. A nurse is reviewing a patient's medication regimen and notices a

potential interaction between two prescriptions. Which critical thinking

skill is the nurse primarily using?

 A. Analysis

 B. Inference

 C. Evaluation

 D. Explanation

 Answer: B. Inference

 Rationale: The nurse is using inference to draw conclusions about the

potential interaction based on the evidence available.

2. When evaluating the credibility of a research study, which of the

following is the most important aspect to consider?

 A. The number of participants in the study

 B. The reputation of the publishing journal

 C. The methodology used in the study

 D. The conclusions drawn by the researchers

 Answer: C. The methodology used in the study

 Rationale: The methodology determines the validity and reliability of

the study's findings.

3. A patient presents with symptoms that could be attributed to several

different conditions. What is the first step a nurse should take in applying

critical thinking to this situation?

 A. Consult a medical textbook

 B. Perform a thorough patient assessment

 C. Order diagnostic tests

 D. Develop a care plan

 Answer: B. Perform a thorough patient assessment

 Rationale: A comprehensive assessment is necessary to gather evidence

before making a clinical decision.

4. In which scenario is a nurse demonstrating the use of reason over

tradition?

 A. Following a hospital protocol for wound care

 B. Using an evidence-based practice guideline to treat hypertension

 C. Administering medication as it has been done for years