Clinical decision making

Question 1

What are the key components of the critical thinking process for paramedics?

Answer 1

• Concept formation
• Data interpretation
• Application of principle
• Evaluation
• Reflection of action

Question 2

What are the six elements required for effective clinical decision making?

Answer 2

• Read the patient
• Read the scene
• React
• Reevaluate
• Revise management plan
• Review the perfomance

Question 3

What are the mental checklist for thinking under pressure?

Answer 3

• Stop and think
• Scan the situation
• Decide and act
• Maintain clear and effective control
• Regulary and contiually reevaluate the patient

Question 4

What are the difference between ‘Anticipating’ and ‘Reactive’ decision making?

Answer 4

ANTICIPATING:

• Think and act ahead before things get out of hand.

REACTIVE:

• Waiting until adverse event occurs before making a decison.

Question 5

What is the difference between “Divergent” and “Convergent” data processing?

Answer 5

DIVERGENT:

• Although current presentation is clear paramedic still needs to think about all posibilities

CONVERGENT:

• Narrowed thinking focused only to current given scenario.

Question 6

What is difference between “Reflective” and “Impulsive” situational analysis?

Answer 6

REFLECTIVE(Analytical):

• First reflect on what you see and draw information from previous experience.

IMPULSIVE (Instinct):

• Assign automatic diagnosis without further investigation.

Question 7

What are a component of critical thinking that refers to all elements that are gathered to form a general impression of the patient?

Answer 7

Concept formation

Question 8

What are the component of critical thinking(usauly performed after the event) in which the examiner evaluates a patient care episode for possible improvement in similar future responses?

Answer 8

Reflection on action

Question 9

List the elements of concept formation?

Answer 9

• Scene assessment(mechanism of injury,social setting)
• Chief complaint
• Patient history
• Patient affect
• Initial assessment and physical examination
• Diagnostic test

Question 10

What are the limitations of protocols,standing orders and patient care algorithms?

Answer 10

• They may not apply to non-specific patients complaines that do not fit the model.
• They also do not address multiple disease etiologies or multiple treatment plans.
• They may promote linear thinking