NCLEX-RN

The NCLEX-RN is a critical examination for aspiring registered nurses, assessing their knowledge and skills necessary for safe and effective practice.

Advanced Topics

Clinical Judgment and Decision Making

Thinking Like a Nurse

Clinical judgment is at the heart of nursing practice. It involves gathering information, evaluating options, and making safe, effective decisions for patient care. The NCLEX-RN tests your ability to use clinical judgment in high-pressure scenarios.

Steps in Clinical Judgment

  1. Recognize cues (signs and symptoms)
  2. Analyze and prioritize information
  3. Generate solutions
  4. Take action
  5. Evaluate outcomes

Why It’s Important

Nurses often make decisions with incomplete information. Practicing good clinical judgment ensures patient safety and positive outcomes.

Applying Clinical Judgment

You’ll be tested on how you respond to unexpected changes in patient status, prioritize care, and use evidence-based reasoning.

Examples

  • A patient’s oxygen drops suddenly, and the nurse must quickly decide to increase oxygen delivery.

  • A nurse prioritizes a patient with chest pain over one with a minor headache.

In a Nutshell

Clinical judgment means making the best decisions for patient care based on evidence and assessment.

Key Terms

Clinical Judgment
The process nurses use to collect data, analyze it, and make decisions to ensure safe patient care.
Prioritization
Identifying which patient needs are most urgent and addressing them first.