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Chapter 1, Decision Making, Problem Solving, Critical Thinking, and Clinical
Reasoning: Requisites for Successful Leadership and Management
1.
A nurse is applying a decision-making process to a clinical
challenge. When applying this process, the nurse must:
a.
analyze the root causes of a situation.
b.
begin by solving the underlying problem.
c.
choose between different courses of action.
d.
prioritize the maximum good for the maximum number of
people.
ANS: C
Feedback: Decision making is a complex, cognitive process
often defined as choosing a particular course of action. Problem
solving is part of decision making and is a systematic process
that focuses on analyzing a difficult situation. It is not always
realistic for the nurse to solve each of the problems contributing
to a larger challenge, especially at the beginning of the decision-
making process. The nurse often lacks the time, information, or
resources to analyze the root causes of a situation. Many times, the nurse makes a decision
that benefits the largest number of people, but this is not always feasible or desirable.
PTS: 1 DIF: Moderate
REF: Page and Header: 3, Decision Making, Problem Solving, Critical Thinking, Clinical
Reasoning, and Elastic Thinking OBJ: 1
NAT: Client Needs: Safe and Effective Care Environment: Management of Care
LOC: Nursing Concepts: Clinical Decision Making, Leadership & Management
TOP: Chapter: 1 KEY: Integrated Process: Nursing Process
BLM: Cognitive Level: Apply NOT: Multiple Choice
2.
A nurse is applying the traditional problem-solving model when mediating a conflict
between two colleagues. When applying this model, the nurse should prioritize what task?
a.
Identifying the root cause of the conflict
b.
Implementing a solution as quickly as possible
c.
Eliciting input from other nurses
d.
Encouraging each nurse to reflect on their actions
ANS: A
Feedback: The traditional problem-solving model attempts to identify the root problem in
situations, a task that requires much time and energy. Efficiency is desirable, but trying to
implement a solution as quickly as possible can result in a hasty and incorrect solution.
Outside input may or may not be necessary; this varies with each individual problem.
Reflective thinking is always beneficial, but this is not a specific component of the
traditional problem-solving model.
PTS: 1 DIF: Moderate
REF: Page and Header: 3, Decision Making, Problem Solving, Critical Thinking, Clinical
Reasoning, and Elastic Thinking OBJ: 1
NAT: Client Needs: Safe and Effective Care Environment: Management of Care
LOC: Nursing Concepts: Clinical Decision Making, Collaboration
TOP: Chapter: 1 KEY: Integrated Process: Nursing Process
BLM: Cognitive Level: Analyze NOT: Multiple Choice
