questionMatch the critical thinking skills on the left with the term that describes how the nurse uses that skill on the right. In the space provided, place the letter that corresponds with the correct number choice.
a. Interpretation 1. Describe
b. Analysis 2. Justify
c. Evaluate 3. Assess
d. Inference 4. Conclude
e. Explanation 5. Examine
answer1. = a.
2. = e.
3. = c.
4. = d.
5. = b,
The critical thinking skill of interpretation requires the nurse to be able to recognize, understand and describe the meanings of written materials, verbal and nonverbal communications, assessment and empirical data, and graphics. The critical thinking skill of analysis requires the nurse to be able to examine, organize, validate, and categorize or prioritize the significance of variables such as signs and symptoms of illness or injury, evidence, facts, research findings, concepts, ideas, beliefs, and points of view. The critical thinking skill of evaluation requires the nurse to be able to assess the credibility of sources of information, strength of evidence, and the relevance, significance, value or applicability of information in relation to a specific situation. The critical thinking skill of inference requires the ability to draw conclusions based on evidence, differentiate between conclusions/hypotheses that are logically or evidentially necessary and those that are merely possible or probable, and to identify knowledge gaps or needs. And the critical thinking skill of explanation requires the nurse to be able to clarify in writing or orally, the assumptions and reasoning processes followed and to justify one's reasoning/conclusion in terms of evidence, concepts, methodologies, or contextual considerations in relation to a conclusion that has been reached.