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 does not indicate a lack of critical thinking because the nurse is planning to monitor the client's blood glucose level more frequently to evaluate the effectiveness of the insulin therapy. This is an appropriate nursing intervention for a client who has hyperglycemia.

Choice B :.

This statement does not indicate a lack of critical thinking because the nurse is checking the medication administration record to see if the client received his insulin as prescribed. This is an important step to identify any possible errors or omissions that could have contributed to the client's high blood glucose level.

Choice C:.

This statement indicates a lack of critical thinking because the nurse is increasing the insulin dose by 2 units as per the sliding scale protocol without considering other factors that could affect the client's blood glucose level, such as diet, exercise, stress, or infection. The nurse should not adjust the insulin dose without consulting the provider or following a specific protocol that takes into account the client's individual needs and goals.

Choice D:.

This statement does not indicate a lack of critical thinking because the nurse is asking the client if he ate anything that could have raised his blood sugar level. This is a relevant question to assess the client's dietary intake and adherence to the prescribed meal plan. The nurse should also educate the client about the importance of following a consistent carbohydrate diet and avoiding foods that can spike blood glucose levels.

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:.