HSRT Explanation and Justification of Reasoning — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A nurse concludes that a patient's fever is probably due to infection. Which statement best JUSTIFIES this conclusion?
- Fevers are common in hospitals.
- The patient has an elevated white blood cell count, a productive cough, and chest crackles, all of which are consistent with infection. (Correct answer)
- The patient looks unwell.
- Another nurse thought the same thing.
Correct answer: The patient has an elevated white blood cell count, a productive cough, and chest crackles, all of which are consistent with infection.
A justification cites specific, relevant evidence that supports the conclusion. The other options are vague, irrelevant, or appeal to opinion rather than evidence.
Question 2: A study reports that a new drug lowered systolic blood pressure by an average of 8 mmHg compared with placebo (p = 0.01). Which explanation of this result is the most accurate?
- The drug will lower every patient's blood pressure by 8 mmHg.
- The difference between groups was unlikely to be due to chance alone, so the drug probably has a real effect on average. (Correct answer)
- The drug is proven to be safe.
- The placebo raised blood pressure.
Correct answer: The difference between groups was unlikely to be due to chance alone, so the drug probably has a real effect on average.
A p-value of 0.01 indicates the observed difference is unlikely under chance alone. It describes a group average, not individual outcomes, and says nothing about safety.
Question 3: Which of the following is the best example of explaining the METHOD used to reach a clinical decision?
- I just have a feeling this is right.
- We compared the patient's symptoms against the diagnostic criteria, ruled out two alternatives with lab tests, and then chose the best-fitting diagnosis. (Correct answer)
- The doctor always does it this way.
- The result was obvious.
Correct answer: We compared the patient's symptoms against the diagnostic criteria, ruled out two alternatives with lab tests, and then chose the best-fitting diagnosis.
Explaining a method means describing the steps and criteria used to reach the conclusion so others can follow and evaluate them.
Question 4: A student says, 'I chose option B because the other options each contradict a fact stated in the passage.' This statement is mainly an example of:
- Guessing
- Justifying a choice by giving reasons (Correct answer)
- Appealing to authority
- Restating the question
Correct answer: Justifying a choice by giving reasons
The student gives a reason, namely the contradictions with the passage, that supports the choice. That is justification.
Question 5: Which response best explains to a patient why a screening test with a positive result still needs follow-up confirmation?
- Tests are never accurate.
- Screening tests can produce false positives, so a second, more specific test is needed to confirm whether the condition is really present. (Correct answer)
- The doctor wants to bill more.
- Positive means you definitely have the disease.
Correct answer: Screening tests can produce false positives, so a second, more specific test is needed to confirm whether the condition is really present.
This explanation gives the underlying reason, the possibility of false positives, and the logical next step. The other options are inaccurate or unsupported.
Question 6: When presenting an argument to a team, which element is MOST important for the explanation to be persuasive and clear?
- Stating the conclusion repeatedly
- Linking each claim to evidence and stating the assumptions relied upon (Correct answer)
- Using technical jargon
- Speaking quickly
Correct answer: Linking each claim to evidence and stating the assumptions relied upon
A sound explanation connects claims to evidence and makes assumptions visible so they can be examined. Repetition, jargon, and speed do not improve the reasoning.
