A nurse is conducting a research project on the effectiveness of an educational intervention on improving critical thinking skills among nursing students. The nurse uses a pretest-posttest design with a control group and an experimental group. The experimental group receives the intervention, while the control group does not. The nurse administers a standardized test of critical thinking skills to both groups before and after the intervention. Which of the following steps in the nursing process does this research project illustrate?

Choice A :.

This statement reflects critical thinking because the nurse prioritizes the most important assessments for a client with multiple injuries and follows the ABC (airway, breathing, circulation) principle of trauma care. Assessing the level of consciousness, airway, breathing, and circulation is essential to determine the client's condition and plan appropriate interventions.

Choice B :.

This statement does not reflect critical thinking because the nurse expresses a hope rather than a fact or an action. Hoping for no internal injuries or organ damage does not help the nurse to provide effective care for the client. The nurse should focus on assessing the client's injuries and providing appropriate interventions based on the findings.

Choice C :.

This statement does not reflect critical thinking because the nurse wonders about irrelevant information that does not affect the client's care. The cause of the crash and the use of seat belt are not important for the nurse to know at this point. The nurse should focus on assessing the client's injuries and providing appropriate interventions based on the findings.

Choice D :.

This statement does not reflect critical thinking because the nurse jumps to a conclusion without assessing the client first. Calling the trauma surgeon and the neurologist right away may not be necessary or appropriate depending on the client's condition. The nurse should assess the client first and then consult with other health care professionals as needed.

Choice A:

Comparing the client's vital signs with the normal ranges is a basic nursing skill that does not require critical thinking. It is part of the assessment process, but it does not involve analysis, interpretation, or evaluation of the data. Therefore, this choice is incorrect.

Choice B:

Asking the client about his medical history and allergies is also a basic nursing skill that does not require critical thinking. It is part of the assessment process, but it does not involve analysis, interpretation, or evaluation of the data. Therefore, this choice is incorrect.

Choice C :

Explaining to the client the purpose and procedure of the tests is an example of critical thinking because it involves applying knowledge, skills, and attitudes to provide patient-centered care. The nurse uses critical thinking to determine what information the client needs to know, how to communicate it effectively, and how to evaluate the client's understanding. Therefore, this choice is correct.

Choice D :

Administering an antipyretic medication to the client is a standard nursing intervention that does not require critical thinking. It is part of the implementation process, but it does not involve analysis, interpretation, or evaluation of the data. Therefore, this choice is incorrect.

Choice E:

Documenting the client's condition and interventions in the chart is a legal and ethical responsibility of the nurse that does not require critical thinking. It is part of the communication process, but it does not involve analysis, interpretation, or evaluation of the data. Therefore, this choice is incorrect. Source:.