Critical Thinking & Clinical Reasoning

Flashcards for vocabulary related to critical thinking and clinical reasoning in nursing.

Critical Thinking (Nursing Definition)

Intentional, higher-level thinking to define a patient’s problem, use evidence-based practice (EBP), and make care decisions; requires reflection, logical reasoning, and judgment.

Clinical Reasoning (Nursing Definition)

A cognitive process using thinking strategies to gather and analyze patient information, evaluate data relevance, and decide on appropriate nursing actions; combines critical thinking & decision-making.

Alfaro-LeFevre’s 4-Circle Critical Thinking Model

Promotes meaningful connections between research, practice, and critical thinking.

Critical Analysis

A method of questioning to judge ideas and situations, identify relevant details, and discard unnecessary information.

Socratic Questioning

A technique to dig deeper into a situation by examining assumptions, inconsistencies, and multiple viewpoints. Used in patient assessments, history reviews, and care planning.

Inductive Reasoning

Moving from specific observations to a general conclusion. Nurses use patterns in patient symptoms to make clinical judgments.

Deductive Reasoning

Moving from a general premise to a specific case. Critical thinking ensures logical conclusions.

Fact (in Differentiating Statements)

Proven information (e.g., "The patient’s temperature is 101°F.").

Inference (in Differentiating Statements)

A conclusion based on evidence (e.g., "The fever may indicate an infection.").

Judgment (in Differentiating Statements)

A personal evaluation (e.g., "The patient looks very sick.").

Opinion (in Differentiating Statements)

A belief (e.g., "I think this medication works best.").

Trial and Error (Problem-Solving)

Trying different solutions until one works. Can be useful in non-critical situations but is risky in patient care due to possible harm.

Intuition ("Nurse’s Instinct")

Based on experience, knowledge, and pattern recognition rather than explicit reasoning. Helps experienced nurses quickly assess subtle patient changes.

Research-Based Problem-Solving

A formal, logical, and systematic approach. Uses scientific evidence to guide patient care and is essential for evidence-based practice (EBP).

Independence (Critical Thinking Attitude)

Think for yourself and question assumptions. Be open to alternative methods of performing tasks.

Fair-Mindedness (Critical Thinking Attitude)

Assess all viewpoints objectively, without bias or prejudice. Consider new ideas fully before rejecting or accepting them.

Insight into Egocentricity (Critical Thinking Attitude)

Recognize that personal biases may affect thinking. Be open to the fact that not everyone shares the same beliefs, values, or priorities.

Intellectual Humility (Critical Thinking Attitude)

Be aware of the limits of your knowledge and be willing to learn. Accept that what is commonly believed may not always be correct.

Intellectual Courage (Critical Thinking Attitude)

Challenge outdated practices and question the status quo. Be open to new research and changing practices even if they go against tradition.

Integrity (Critical Thinking Attitude)

Apply the same high standards of reasoning to yourself as you do to others. Be willing to change your views when presented with strong evidence.

Perseverance (Critical Thinking Attitude)

Work through complex problems without giving up. Be patient and committed to finding effective solutions.

Confidence in Reasoning (Critical Thinking Attitude)

Trust in logical, well-reasoned thinking to make sound decisions. Be cautious of emotion-driven arguments and evaluate evidence critically.

Curiosity (Critical Thinking Attitude)

Always ask why, how, and what if? Stay open to new ideas and alternative approaches.

Setting Priorities (Clinical Reasoning Component)

Identify which tasks, assessments, and interventions are most urgent. Be flexible and adjust priorities as needed.

Developing Rationales (Clinical Reasoning Component)

Justify interventions based on nursing knowledge. Always be prepared to explain “why” an action is necessary.

Clinical Reasoning-in-Transition

Recognize subtle changes in a patient’s condition over time. Trend assessment data to detect deterioration early.

Concept Mapping

A visual representation of patient care relationships. Helps nurses analyze and connect complex concepts and organize information quickly and effectively.