Nokea
A nurse uses an institution's procedure manual to confirm how to insert a nasogastric tube. The level of critical thinking the nurse is using is:
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Basic critical thinking involves following established guidelines or procedures, like using a manual for nasogastric tube insertion, typical for novices relying on concrete rules. The nurse here seeks confirmation, indicating dependence on external standards rather than independent judgment. Commitment reflects decisive action based on internalized reasoning, not manual reliance. Complex critical thinking analyzes and adapts procedures (e.g., modifying technique for patient anatomy), requiring experience beyond rote steps. The scientific method tests hypotheses, not applicable to routine protocol checks. Basic critical thinking suits this scenario, as the nurse applies learned steps without deviation, a foundational level ensuring safe practice while building toward higher-order skills in dynamic clinical settings.