In clinical judgment training, a novice nurse would most likely do which action?

• A. Skip safety steps to save time
• B. Diagnose all problems unaided
• C. Use a checklist when inserting a nasogastric tube
• D. Discard standard procedures

Answer: (C)

In clinical judgment training, safety and accuracy come from using structured tools that guide complex tasks. A checklist provides a cognitive aid that helps the novice methodically complete every critical step of a high-risk procedure like inserting a nasogastric tube. It reduces reliance on memory, promotes consistency, and ensures essential actions—such as proper patient positioning, equipment readiness, sterile technique, correct tube length and placement, securing the tube, and confirming placement—are not overlooked. This structured approach supports patient safety and helps the learner perform the procedure more reliably until judgment and experience grow.

Skipping safety steps jeopardizes patient safety and is not acceptable practice. A novice is not expected to diagnose all problems unaided; that requires experience and collaboration. Discarding standard procedures eliminates proven safeguards and undermines evidence-based care.