Critical thinking is a form of higher thinking that involves analyzing and problem-solving. In nursing it is
important to develop this skill in order to provide the safest, most effective care for patients. In nursing
there are six skills commonly associated with critical thinking. These include:
In this assignment, we will take each skill one-by-one and learn how to apply them to different scenarios.
Assessment
• Assess
• Identify
• Interpret
• Identify
The nurse is assigned to the care of a 67-year-old male admitted with dehydration. The assessment data
reveals the following: A & O X3, responds slowly to questions, cooperative, dry, flaky skin with skin
turgor > 3 seconds, dry mucous membranes, complaining of thirst, respirations unlabored, states has not
had a BM for 3 days, urine amber with strong odor. Temp – 97.8 axillary, P. 90 irregular, R. 14, B/P.
136/84. States has been bedridden for several days and that finally a neighbor came by when she saw
several newspapers piled on the porch.
Relevant Data
Responds slowly
Skin dry, flaky
Skin turgor > 3 secs
Dry mucous membranes
C/O thirst
No BM x 3 days
Urine amber with strong odor
Apical Pulse 90 irregular
Bedridden for several days
Lives alone
Nursing Diagnosis
, • Identifying a nursing diagnosis
• Identifying knowledge gaps or other needs
Relevant Data Nursing Diagnosis Defining Characteristics
• Responds slowly Develop 2 nursing diagnosis List defining characteristics found
• Skin dry, flaky using the data to the right. with each nursing diagnosis.
• Skin turgor > 3 secs
• Dry mucous membranes 1. 1.
• C/O thirst
• No BM x 3 days
• Urine amber with strong odor
• Apical Pulse 90 irregular
• Bedridden for several days
• Lives alone 2. 2.
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