A nurse is using professional standards to influence clinical decisions. What is the rationale for the nurse's actions?

A) Establishes minimal passing standards for testing
B) Utilizes evidence-based practice based on nurses' needs
C) Bypasses the patient's feelings to promote ethical standards
D) Uses critical thinking for the highest level of quality nursing care

Professional Standards

These are guidelines and criteria set by professional bodies that outline the ethical and performance expectations for individuals within a specific profession.

Clinical Decisions

The judgments and actions taken by healthcare professionals based on clinical knowledge and evidence to provide patient care.

Critical Thinking

The intellectual process of actively analyzing, synthesizing, evaluating, and reflecting on information gathered from observation, experience, or communication, to make informed judgments.