M3D1: Critical thinking in nursing practice

Review the article: Critical thinking at the bedside: Providing safe passage to patients. (Robert & Petersen, 2013)

Scenario:

 Adam is a 10-year-old scheduled for discharge from the Emergency Department after a bicycle incident resulted in a fractured right ulna and radius. His arm has been casted, is immobilized and in a sling. Adam states, "My arm feels better now, and I am sleepy. The pain medicine makes me feel like I will vomit." The RN is reviewing medications with Adam and his mother when the mother states, "We have a two (2) hour drive home from this emergency room. Can you give Adam something for nausea so he does not throw up in the car?" The RN has already completed the discharge paperwork, and the orthopedic physician who casted the arm has left the Emergency Department. The RN states, "No orders are available for Adam to have nausea medicine. I can give him another dose of pain medication if you think that will help him sleep on the way home. Then he might not vomit."

Initial Discussion Post:

. Identify two (2) cognitive skills used in critical thinking the RN should have applied in this scenario

. Provide an alternative nursing intervention to ensure safe patient care in this scenario