ATI Critical Thinking Practice Test 3

Question 1

A nurse notices that a physician's order reads 'morphine 50 mg IV push.' The standard adult dose is 2-10 mg. What is the most appropriate action?

Accepted Answer

Clarify the order with the prescribing physician before administering

Answer

Nurses have an independent duty to question orders that appear unsafe. A dose 5-25 times the standard requires clarification before administration.

Question 2

When evaluating health information from the internet, which source would be considered most reliable for evidence-based nursing practice?

Accepted Answer

A peer-reviewed systematic review from the Cochrane Library

Answer

Peer-reviewed systematic reviews from established databases like Cochrane represent the highest level of evidence in evidence-based practice.

Question 3

A nurse observes that a colleague frequently skips hand hygiene between patient rooms. Applying critical thinking, what should the nurse do?

Accepted Answer

Address the behavior privately with the colleague, emphasizing infection prevention evidence

Answer

Addressing the issue directly and professionally with evidence-based reasoning balances patient safety with collegial respect.

Question 4

A patient presents with symptoms that could indicate either condition A or condition B. The treatments for each condition are contradictory. What critical thinking approach is most appropriate?

Accepted Answer

Gather additional assessment data to differentiate between the two conditions before initiating treatment

Answer

When differential diagnoses require contradictory treatments, gathering additional data to reach a more definitive conclusion is essential before acting.

Question 5

Which statement best reflects the critical thinking concept of intellectual humility in nursing practice?

Accepted Answer

I recognize the limits of my knowledge and actively seek information when uncertain.

Answer

Intellectual humility means acknowledging the limits of one's knowledge and being willing to seek additional information — a core critical thinking disposition.

HESI (ATI) Practice Test

HESI (ATI) Practice Test

ATI Critical Thinking Practice Test 3