A nurse is working in an emergency department and receives a call from a paramedic who is transporting a client who was involved in a motor vehicle crash. The paramedic reports that the client has multiple injuries, including a head trauma, chest trauma, and abdominal bleeding. The nurse prepares to receive the client and triage him accordingly. Which of the following statements by the nurse reflects critical thinking?

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:

This statement is correct and does not indicate a need for further teaching. Reflection is one of the key elements of critical thinking in nursing, as it allows nurses to examine their own actions and decisions and learn from them.

Choice B:

This statement is also correct and does not indicate a need for further teaching. Analysis is another key element of critical thinking in nursing, as it involves breaking down a complex situation into smaller parts that can be understood and evaluated.

Choice C:

This statement is incorrect and indicates a need for further teaching. Inference is not making assumptions based on one's experience, but rather drawing logical conclusions from the available evidence. Making assumptions can lead to errors in judgment and compromise patient safety. Nurses should use critical thinking to question their assumptions and biases and seek reliable and valid information.

Choice D:

This statement is correct and does not indicate a need for further teaching. Evaluation is another key element of critical thinking in nursing, as it involves checking the reliability and validity of information that is used to make decisions. Nurses should use critical thinking to assess the sources, methods, and outcomes of information they encounter in their practice.