Critical thinking requires problem-solving to be which of the following?

Critical thinking in problem-solving is best characterized as being both solution-focused and cause-focused. This dual emphasis allows healthcare leaders and nurse executives to approach challenges comprehensively. By being solution-focused, critical thinkers strive to identify practical and effective interventions to resolve current issues. However, equally important is the cause-focused aspect, which involves analyzing the underlying factors contributing to a problem. Understanding the root causes enables the implementation of sustainable changes instead of merely addressing symptoms.

This holistic approach enhances decision-making processes and leads to better outcomes in healthcare settings. For nurse executives, integrating both perspectives allows them to design interventions that not only mitigate immediate concerns but also prevent recurrence by addressing the foundational issues.