ATI Critical Thinking 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A nurse notices a patient's blood pressure dropped from 120/80 to 90/60 after a new medication. What critical thinking step should occur FIRST?
- Recognize and analyze the change as a potential cue (Correct answer)
- Document and continue with other tasks
- Increase the medication dose
- Tell the patient it is normal
Correct answer: Recognize and analyze the change as a potential cue
Recognizing and analyzing a significant cue is the first step before acting.
Question 2: Which question best reflects evaluating the reliability of a source of clinical information?
- Is the information current and evidence-based? (Correct answer)
- Is the information easy to read?
- Did a coworker mention it?
- Is the website attractive?
Correct answer: Is the information current and evidence-based?
Reliable clinical information must be current and supported by evidence.
Question 3: A patient report contains both objective and subjective data. Which is an example of objective data?
- Temperature of 101.4°F (Correct answer)
- Patient states they feel feverish
- Patient reports chills
- Patient says they are tired
Correct answer: Temperature of 101.4°F
Objective data is measurable, like a recorded temperature.
Question 4: When two interventions seem equally valid, critical thinking requires the nurse to:
- Weigh risks and benefits for the specific patient (Correct answer)
- Choose the faster one
- Pick randomly
- Ask another patient
Correct answer: Weigh risks and benefits for the specific patient
Comparing risks and benefits for the individual guides sound decisions.
Question 5: Inductive reasoning in clinical practice involves:
- Forming a general conclusion from specific observations (Correct answer)
- Applying a general rule to a case
- Ignoring patient data
- Following orders without thought
Correct answer: Forming a general conclusion from specific observations
Inductive reasoning builds general conclusions from specific cues.
Question 6: A nurse questions whether an assumption about a patient's pain is accurate. This demonstrates:
- Reflective skepticism (Correct answer)
- Closed-mindedness
- Bias confirmation
- Avoidance
Correct answer: Reflective skepticism
Questioning assumptions reflects reflective skepticism, a core thinking skill.
Question 7: Which action best shows prioritization based on critical analysis?
- Addressing airway compromise before a routine dressing change (Correct answer)
- Completing tasks in chart order
- Doing the easiest task first
- Following the call light order
Correct answer: Addressing airway compromise before a routine dressing change
Life-threatening issues like airway take priority over routine care.
ATI Critical Thinking 2
A nurse notices a patient's blood pressure dropped from 120/80 to 90/60 after a new medication.
What critical thinking step should occur FIRST?