Clinical Judgment, Nursing Process, and Ethics – Review

Fifty question-and-answer style flashcards covering key points from the lecture transcript on clinical judgment, the nursing process (ADPIE), critical thinking, professionalism, ethics, and related practical examples.

What does the acronym ADPIE represent in the nursing process?

Assessment, Diagnosis, Planning, Implementation, Evaluation

During which ADPIE step do nurses collect both subjective and objective patient data?

Assessment

In the nursing process, when are a patient’s outcomes compared with expected outcomes to determine progress?

Evaluation

What three elements make up a complete nursing diagnosis statement?

Problem (actual or potential), related factor (cause), and assessment findings (evidence/defining characteristics)

Provide an example of an actual nursing diagnosis for postoperative pain based on the notes.

“Acute pain related to incisional trauma as evidenced by pain rating 6/10 and tenderness at incision site.”

How does a potential (risk) nursing diagnosis differ from an actual diagnosis?

A potential diagnosis identifies risks or readiness for a problem before it occurs, while an actual diagnosis addresses an existing problem.

Which acronym guides nurses to write well-structured goals in the planning phase?

SMART (Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic, Time-bound)

In SMART goal setting, what does the letter "T" stand for?

Time-bound

What priority assessment sequence should a nurse follow in emergencies?

Airway, Breathing, Circulation (ABC)

According to clinical judgment principles, what should a nurse do before immediately calling a code?

Assess the patient and act within the nurse’s scope of practice first

How are subjective data defined in nursing assessment?

Information the patient reports or describes about their symptoms and feelings

How are objective data defined in nursing assessment?

Observable, measurable facts collected by the nurse, such as vital signs or physical findings

Which two kinds of cues should nurses assess for during patient interaction?

Verbal cues (symptoms, words) and non-verbal cues (signs, facial expressions, behavior)

Give two examples of direct-care nursing interventions.

Administering medication and assisting with patient hygiene (repositioning, bathing, etc.)

What does the abbreviation ADLs stand for?

Activities of Daily Living

List two examples of Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADLs).

Shopping and managing finances (others include house cleaning, taking medications)

What is the primary focus of clinical judgment in nursing?

Using cognitive skills, experience, and knowledge to make real-time decisions for patient care

Why did many new nurses struggle with clinical judgment after the COVID-19 pandemic?

They had limited hands-on clinical experience during training due to pandemic restrictions.

Which professional organization issues the Scope and Standards of Practice for nurses?

American Nurses Association (ANA)

Name four qualities associated with professionalism in nursing.

Fairness, integrity, perseverance, and confidence

Which ethical principle requires nurses to leave personal biases at the door?

Providing unbiased, respectful care to every patient regardless of background or beliefs

Give an example of unbiased care in nursing practice.

Providing the same high-quality care and resources to a patient with a history of substance abuse as to any other patient

What must always precede any nursing intervention?

A thorough patient assessment

How does effective communication with patients enhance care?

It ensures understanding, builds trust, and promotes accurate information exchange for better outcomes

List the five elements that promote critical thinking in nursing mentioned in the notes.

Knowledge, standards, attitudes, experience, and time management

When does patient assessment officially begin?

The moment the nurse first sees or interacts with the patient, even casually

During evaluation, what comparison must the nurse make?

Compare observed patient results with the expected outcomes/goals

A patient reports “pain level 8 out of 10.” Is this subjective or objective data?

Subjective data

A nurse observes facial grimacing while the patient moves. Is this subjective or objective data?

Objective data

Which ADPIE step involves selecting specific nursing interventions to meet goals?

Planning

In the provided example, within what time frame should the client’s pain level decrease to 4 or below?

Within 48 hours

State what each of the first three letters of ADPIE stands for.

A – Assessment, D – Diagnosis, P – Planning

What is the nurse’s role when caring for a patient whose beliefs differ from the nurse’s own?

Provide respectful, unbiased care and resources regardless of personal views

Why is effective time management important in critical thinking for nurses?

It allows prioritization and timely interventions, especially in rapidly changing situations

In the ABC priority, what does the letter "A" stand for?

Airway

What should nurses do to ensure continuous improvement of the care plan during evaluation?

Reassess care needs and modify the plan as necessary

Which framework of cognitive skills supports nurses in making real-time care decisions?

The Clinical Judgment Model

Give one example of an indirect nursing care intervention mentioned in the notes.

Updating the whiteboard with the next pain-medication time or consulting the physician

What is meant by providing "holistic patient care"?

Addressing the physical, emotional, social, and spiritual needs of the patient, not just the illness

How does the nursing process foster accountability in practice?

Its structured steps require documentation, evaluation, and evidence-based rationale for actions

Which ADPIE step is described as ongoing and beginning at first patient interaction?

Assessment

What distinguishes nursing diagnoses from medical diagnoses?

Nursing diagnoses focus on patient responses to health conditions, while medical diagnoses identify disease processes

Why is collaboration with patients and families important during the planning phase?

It ensures goals and interventions are realistic, individualized, and aligned with patient preferences

Along with knowledge and standards, which attitude is necessary to promote health and wellness?

A positive, professional attitude (including fairness and perseverance)

How can professional standards vary among nursing specialties?

Different practice areas (e.g., ICU vs. public health) have specialty-specific standards and competencies

Give one measurable criterion that would make a goal “specific.”

Using a 0-10 pain scale to quantify desired pain level

Why is reassessment vital during the evaluation step?

It identifies whether interventions were effective and if adjustments are needed

If a patient’s airway is compromised, what is the nurse’s immediate priority action?

Establish or maintain the airway, following ABC priority

What does leaving personal biases at the door ensure in patient care?

Fair, respectful, and equitable treatment for all patients

According to the notes, quizzes and assessments will cover which main topic areas?

Clinical judgment, ethics, and content from previous weeks