clinical reasoning

Question 1

What may influence your ability to think critically and

respond?

Answer 1

Fatigue
• Team/group factors
• Affective state (mood/emotions)
• Past experiences
• Ambient conditions
(environment)
• Patient factors (when on clinical)
• Time
• Misunderstanding
• Reluctance to critique
• Lack of detailed knowledge

Question 2

Clinical Reasoning

Answer 2

Tasks ‘vs’ looking at the bigger picture
• Important because nurses with effective clinical reasoning skills have a positive
impact on patient outcomes. Conversely, those with poor clinical reasoning skills
often fail to detect impending patient deterioration resulting in a “failure-torescue”.

Question 3

5 step process

Answer 3

1. Identify the major point(s) of the argument or belief.
2. Summarise clearly the logic or reasons presented in support of the major
   point(s).
3. Identify the major assumptions that underlie the logic or reasons
   supporting the major point.
4. Analyse the major assumptions and the reasoning behind the major points.
5. Identify the major questions that need to be addressed before one can
   know with confidence that the arguments or reasoning is sound.
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