The RN is developing a plan of care for an 86 year old patient who was admitted after
falling at home. The patient is confused to place and time and has a right hip fracture that
will be repaired tomorrow.
Question:
Develop A plan of care for this patient that includes the actions the RN will take for each
step of the nursing process. Be sure to include how critical thinking will be used in the
development of the plan.
Please cite two references from the text book APA style
Text book to use for this paper: Treas, L. & Wilkinson, J, (2014). Basic nursing: concepts,
skills & reasoning. Philadelphia; F. A. Davis, Company.
CRITICAL THINKING & THE APPLICATION OF NURSING PROCESS
Developing a well-designed care plan is essential in enhancing effective management of
the condition of the patient. Assessment will be the initial step in the care plan where the RN
would interview the family or the individual to establish the problem which is accompanied by
the performance of examination and observation of behaviors the joint where the pain is elicited
as well as examining other additional associated injuries is done (Wilkinson,2014) . Diagnostic is
the next step in the care plan where a plain radiography test for the hip fracture is performed. The
RN is also able to develop a medical theory about the information collected during the
assessment. Planning is essential during the nursing process where measurable and attainable
medical goals are made (Wilkinson, 2014) . The RN would address comorbidities and also
CRITICAL THINKING & THE APPLICATION OF NURSING PROCESS 2
prescribe supplements such as bisphosphonates and recommend therapy for the patient. The
frequency of image so at to result in desired outcomes is done. Rehabilitation therapy and
removal of environmental hazards leading to falls is included in the plan. After having such
interventions, the outcomes such as reduced risk of fracture and healing are expected soon as
long as the proper care plan is followed.
The RN also ensures the plan and interventions are fully implemented where evaluation
is vital to assess progress. The implementation is done by the RN plan where continuity of care
on the patient is emphasized. Risk factors and nutritional issues are addressed where a good
environment is provided. Physical care and that education are essential in the nursing plan of
care. Evaluation is done in phases to ensure the adherence to the care plan and improvement in
the condition, and then documentation is efficiently done . Critical thinking is crucial in
developing each stage of the care plan. Employing critical thinking during assessment enables
the RN to gather accurate and concise data that is measurable which is a basis of a good plan.
The ability to make effective clinical judgments in collaboration with other professionals and
involvement of the patient is essential. The critical thinking is applied through using standardized
language to communicate and adoption of evidence-based practices for the right diagnosis.
Critical thinking also ensures identifying the underlying problems correctly and
prioritizing the best and urgent practices of care. Critical thinking influences the process of
planning and implementation of the right management practices. The procedures of care and the
interventions should meet the concerns and demands of the patient who is made possible through
critical judgment and thinking of the RN (Wilkinson,2014) . The goals of the care plan should be
measurable which leads to better outcomes. In a nutshell, application of critical thinking
enhances evidence-based practices during the whole nursing process.
CRITICAL THINKING & THE APPLICATION OF NURSING PROCESS 3
Reference
Wilkinson, J, (2014). Basic nursing: concepts, skills & reasoning. Philadelphia; F. A. Davis,
Company