A patient, frequently admitted to the hospital for chronic back pain, asks the medication nurse for additional pain medication. The nurse has seen patients like this before, and "knows" that the only reason that these people come to the hospital is to get their pain medication. The nurse is demonstrating:
A) illogical thinking.
B) a bias.
C) closed-mindedness.
D) an erroneous assumption.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Decisions may be unduly influenced by bias, which is an inclination or tendency to favoritism or partiality. Bias may be related to a preconceived notion or prejudice such as believing that "these people seek their medication." It is important for nurses to examine personal biases because they can negatively impact care. Illogical thinking is characterized by a failure to follow rational, systematic processes when approaching an issue or problem. Often making hasty generalizations and assumptions that do not consider the evidence, the illogical thinker may jump to conclusions. Errors in thinking and decision making can result from intentionally overlooking alternatives suggested by others. When relevant information from patients or experts is ignored because of closed-mindedness, nursing care can be compromised. Closed-minded individuals often believe that their way is the best and preferred way. Assumptions are beliefs that are taken for granted and assumed to be true. Assumptions can be unjustified or justified, depending on whether there are good reasons for them. Erroneous assumptions can lead to safety issues in the clinical setting.

A Patient, Frequently Admitted to the Hospital for Chronic Back