Care Manager Certification Practice Exam

A nurse observes multiple patients on a new antibiotic developing elevated kidney function tests. What type of reasoning is this?

1. Inductive reasoning

2. Nursing process

3. Deductive reasoning

4. General systems theory

The correct answer is: Inductive reasoning

Inductive reasoning is the correct choice here because it involves making generalizations based on specific observations. In this scenario, the nurse observes that multiple patients are developing elevated kidney function tests after being prescribed a new antibiotic. From these specific cases, the nurse can begin to hypothesize about a potential link between the antibiotic and the kidney function issues. This method of reasoning allows the nurse to form a broader conclusion or theory regarding the safety and side effects of the medication. In contrast, the nursing process is a systematic approach used for patient care that includes assessment, diagnosis, planning, implementation, and evaluation. It does not specifically relate to making generalizations from specific observations. Deductive reasoning, on the other hand, starts with a general statement or hypothesis and examines the possibilities to reach a specific, logical conclusion. It does not apply here since the nurse is drawing a conclusion from specific test results rather than applying a general principle. General systems theory focuses on understanding complex systems and their interactions, which is not relevant to the situation described in the question, as it does not deal with observations leading to a general conclusion about a specific case. Thus, through the process of observing specific cases of elevated kidney function tests and considering them in relation to the new antibiotic, the nurse exempl