Critical Thinking and the Nursing Process

A series of flashcards covering key concepts and vocabulary related to critical thinking and the nursing process.

Critical Thinking

A process that involves recognizing an issue exists, analyzing and evaluating information, and drawing conclusions.

Evidence-Based Care

Care that is based on the best available evidence, clinical expertise, and patient preferences.

Cognitive Skills

Skills necessary for critical thinking, including interpretation, analysis, inference, evaluation, explanation, and self-regulation.

Dispositions in Critical Thinking

Habits such as truth-seeking, open-mindedness, and integrity that influence critical thinking.

Basic Critical Thinking

Concrete thinking based on rules and principles, without adjustment for unique patient needs.

Complex Critical Thinking

Thinking that includes consideration of options, patient preferences, and weighing benefits and risks.

Commitment in Critical Thinking

Anticipating the need to make choices independently and assuming responsibility for those choices.

Nursing Process

A five-step process including Assessment, Diagnosis, Planning, Implementation, and Evaluation used in nursing.

Scientific Method

A systematic method for problem identification, data collection, hypothesis testing, and result evaluation.

Concept Mapping

A visual representation that links patient information and relationships among nursing diagnoses and interventions.