Intellectual Standards of Critical Thinking
Reasoning Types
Clinical Judgment Models
Foundations of Clinical Judgment
Clinical Judgment Skills
Professional Qualities in Clinical Judgment
:Developing Clinical Judgment Skills
100

This standard means representing something in a true and correct way, such as charting a patient’s exact blood pressure reading instead of “normal.”

what is accuracy

100

This reasoning moves from general to specific, such as using the theory that fever usually signals infection to interpret an elevated temperature.

what is deductive reasoning 

100

This framework highlights four overlapping concepts: critical thinking characteristics, theoretical knowledge, interpersonal skills, and technical competencies

What is Alfaro-Lefevre’s model

100

These are hints or indications of potential disease processes, such as noticing cyanosis or shortness of breath in a patient.

what is cues

100

This involves being aware and perceiving, such as recognizing a patient’s increased anxiety based on facial expressions.

what is noticing 

100

This quality means self-directed, disciplined, and accountable, such as acknowledging an error and reporting it.

What is being autonomous/responsible

100

This strategy uses case studies and unfolding scenarios to enhance problem-solving and clinical thinking.

what is active learning 

200

This standard considers a topic from all relevant viewpoints, such as including patient, family, and physician perspectives in care planning.

what is breadth

200

This reasoning moves from specific facts to generalizations, such as noticing multiple patients with cough and fever and suspecting a flu outbreak.

what is inductive reasoning

200

This model includes noticing, interpreting, responding, and reflecting, such as noticing subtle changes in a patient’s condition.

: What is Tanner’s Clinical Judgment Model

200

This involves applying knowledge and experience to identify problems and guide actions, such as analyzing vital signs and deciding on an intervention.

what is critical thinking

200

This is analyzing what’s happening, such as linking abnormal lab values to possible kidney failure.

what is interpreting 

200

This involves acknowledging one’s biases and limits, such as seeking mentorship when unsure about a clinical judgment.

what is being self aware

200

This strategy involves concept mapping, group discussions, and sharing perspectives to improve reasoning.

What is collaborative learning

300

This inclination or favoritism can distort reasoning, such as assuming a patient exaggerates pain due to a history of frequent ER visits.

what is bias

300

This uses critical thinking, knowledge, and experience to solve problems in patient care, such as integrating lab results, symptoms, and history to guide interventions.

what is clinical reasoning

300

This expands on Tanner’s by identifying 11 specific actions, focusing on adaptability and dynamic decision-making.

  1. Focused Observation

  2. Recognizing Deviations from Expected Patterns

  3. Information Seeking

  1. Prioritizing Data

  2. Making Sense of Data

  1. Calm, Confident Manner

  2. Clear Communication

  3. Well-Planned Intervention/Flexibility

  4. Being Skillful

  1. Evaluation/Self-Analysis

  2. Commitment to Improvement


What is the Lasater Clinical Judgment Model

300

This is the observed outcome of critical thinking and decision-making; for example, a nurse prioritizing airway obstruction before addressing mild pain.

what is clinical judgment 

300

This is comparing observed outcomes against expected outcomes, such as reassessing blood pressure after antihypertensive medication.

what is evaluating outcomes

300

This means showing true self and consistent values, such as advocating for patient dignity.

what is being genuine/authentic

300

This skill allows nurses to identify strengths and weaknesses after experiences, such as reviewing a rapid response for improvement.

what is reflection

400

This goes beneath the surface to manage complexities, such as analyzing all contributing factors for a patient’s uncontrolled diabetes.

what is depth

400

This involves choosing from multiple options, such as deciding whether to administer pain medication or reposition a patient first.

what is decision making 

400

This structured approach includes recognizing cues, analyzing cues, prioritizing hypotheses, generating solutions, taking actions, and evaluating outcomes.

What is the NCSBN Clinical Judgment Measurement Model. (National Council of State Boards of Nursing)

or Clinical Judgment Measurement Mode (CJMM)

400

This is the ability to focus and filter clinical data, such as distinguishing between a harmless rash and signs of anaphylaxis.

what is clinical reasoning 

400

This involves taking action, such as elevating the head of the bed and applying oxygen for a patient in respiratory distress.

what is responding 

400

This quality means suspending judgment until data is complete, such as seeking lab confirmation before diagnosing.

what is being careful/prudent

500

This quality ensures communication is easily understood, such as saying “shortness of breath” instead of “SOB” to a new nurse unfamiliar with abbreviations.

what is clarity

500

A nurse showing curiosity, openness, and diligence in finding relevant information demonstrates the qualities of this type of thinker.

what is a critical thinker

500

This is immediate apprehension of a clinical situation, such as “just knowing” a patient is deteriorating based on subtle changes.

what is intuition 

500

This process helps nurses gain knowledge from both positive and negative outcomes; for example, reflecting on a medication error to prevent future mistakes.

what is reflection 

500

This means promoting a healthy lifestyle, such as encouraging patients to manage stress through diet and exercise.

what is being health oriented 

600

This means acting without bias and considering multiple viewpoints, such as equally valuing input from a CNA and a physician.

what is fairness 

600

Assessment, diagnosis, planning, implementation, and evaluation all require this skill to ensure safe and effective care.

what is ADPIE/ critically thinking

600

This means adapting when circumstances change, such as altering a care plan after a patient develops new symptoms.

what is being flexible 

600

This involves waiting patiently and persevering for the best outcome, such as monitoring wound healing over weeks.

what is being patient/persistent

700

This standard forms conclusions through sensible connections, such as linking fever, cough, and chest X-ray findings to pneumonia.

what is logic

700

This means looking for the truth and admitting flaws, such as reporting an error in documentation.

being honest

700

This involves anticipating consequences, planning ahead, and acting on opportunities, such as preparing supplies before a rapid response.

what is being proactive

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