Irene James has been a patient on the orthopedic unit for two (2) days after a fall at home that resulted in a fractured humerus. Her arm is immobilized and in a sling. Irene states, "The pain pill works well, I am comfortable most of the time. I do feel a little unsteady on my feet. The doctor said my blood pressure was still a little low." The RN is reviewing medications with Irene and her daughter when her daughter states, "This dose of the blood pressure medicine is double what Mom was on at home. She broke her arm when she fainted from too much medicine and not enough fluid. The Doc who saw her yesterday told me the dose needed to be cut in half." The RN has experience with Irene's health care provider, who is well known for shouting at nurses who call for questions. The RN states, "The healthcare provider was very specific that Irene take this ordered dose of medication" and administers the dose.
In this scenario:
Determine if the process of critical thinking was used in this scenario. If yes, give at least two (2) examples of its use
If no, explain why not and give at least two (2) examples of how critical thinking should have been used to provide more effective patient care.