1. A nurse is presented with a patient who is experiencing severe

abdominal pain. The nurse uses critical thinking skills to assess the

patient, gather relevant information, and prioritize interventions. Which

critical thinking strategy is the nurse demonstrating?

A. Problem-solving

B. Decision-making

C. Clinical reasoning

D. Analysis

Answer: C. Clinical reasoning

Rationale: Clinical reasoning involves the process of gathering and

analyzing information to make informed decisions about patient care.

2. A nurse is caring for a patient who is experiencing respiratory distress.

The nurse notes that the patient's oxygen saturation is decreasing and

intervenes by administering oxygen and calling for respiratory support.

Which critical thinking skill is the nurse utilizing in this situation?

A. Prioritization

B. Collaboration

C. Reflection

D. Evaluation

Answer: A. Prioritization

Rationale: Prioritization involves the ability to recognize and order

nursing interventions based on the urgency of the patient's condition.

3. A nurse is asked to participate in a quality improvement project to

reduce hospital-acquired infections on the unit. The nurse engages in a

process of inquiry, research, and data analysis to identify potential causes

of infections and develop an intervention plan. Which critical thinking

skill is the nurse utilizing?

A. Problem-solving

B. Analysis

C. Creativity

D. Clinical reasoning

Answer: B. Analysis