Mackenzie Ann is a 12 year old scheduled for discharge from the Emergency Department after a gymnastics incident resulted in a fractured right ulna and radius. Her arm has been casted, is immobilized and in a sling. Mackenzie states, “My arm feels better now, and I am sleepy. The pain medicine makes me feel like I will vomit.” The RN is reviewing medications with Mackenzie and her mother when the mother states, “We have a two (2) hour drive home from this emergency room. Can you give Mackenzie something for nausea so she does not throw up in the car?” The RN has already completed the discharge paperwork, and the orthopedic physician who casted the arm has left the Emergency Department. The RN states, “No orders are available for Mackenzie to have nausea medicine. I can give her another dose of pain medicine if you think that will help her sleep on the way home. Then she might not vomit.”

Initial Discussion Post:

• Determine if the process of critical thinking was used to provide safe patient care 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.