Clinical judgment

Definition

Clinical judgment is the process by which nurses come to a conclusion about a patient's health status and necessary interventions based on assessment and analysis. It involves critical thinking, decision-making, and applying knowledge in clinical situations.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Clinical judgment involves evaluating patient data to make informed decisions about drug administration.
2. Effective clinical judgment requires integrating theoretical knowledge with practical experience.
3. Nurses use clinical judgment to prioritize patient care needs and ensure safe medication administration.
4. Clinical judgment is essential for identifying potential drug interactions and contraindications.
5. Documentation of clinical judgments in patient records is crucial for continuity of care.

Review Questions

• How does clinical judgment impact the safe administration of medications?
• What role does clinical judgment play in identifying potential drug interactions?
• Why is documentation of clinical judgments important in nursing practice?

Related terms

Critical Thinking: The objective analysis and evaluation of an issue to form a judgment.

Decision-Making: The process of making choices by identifying a decision, gathering information, and assessing alternative resolutions.

Patient Assessment: A systematic collection of data about a patient's health status to identify needs and plan care.