eISSN 2097-6054 ISSN 1672-9234 CN 11-5289/R
Responsible Institution:China Association for Science and Technology
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Chinese Journal of Nursing Education ›› 2026, Vol. 23 ›› Issue (4): 464-470.doi: 10.3761/j.issn.1672-9234.2026.04.013

• Ideological and Political Education and Quality Education • Previous Articles     Next Articles

Conceptual analysis of clinical reasoning ability in nursing students

BU Yemeng1(), SHI Tieying1, GUO Yufei1, CHENG Huiyan2, YU Jiamiao1, CAI Yingjie1,*()   

  1. 1. Nursing Department,the First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University,Dalian 116011,China
    2. Department of Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation,Tianjin Cancer Institute & Hospital,Airport Free Trade Zone,Tianjin 300300,China
  • Received:2025-09-24 Online:2026-04-15 Published:2026-04-16
  • Contact: *CAI Yingjie,E-mail:caiyingjie126@126.com
  • Supported by:
    2022 Liaoning Provincial Undergraduate Teaching Reform Research Project in General Higher Education(编号:516)

Abstract:

Objective To clarify the definition and connotation of the concept of clinical reasoning ability in nursing students. Methods Related literature on clinical reasoning ability in nursing students was systematically retrieved from CNKI,Wanfang,VIP,SinoMed,PubMed,Cochrane Library,ClNAHL,and Embase. The conceptual analysis method proposed by Walker and Avant was used to analyze the concept of clinical reasoning ability in nursing students. Results The definition of clinical reasoning ability in nursing students included application of theoretical knowledge,extraction of key information,clinical problem identification,continuous reasoning hypothesis,and self-assessment reflection. The leading factors were knowledge base,practical experience,emotional and attitudinal factors,and teaching factors. The outcomes were scientific basis of nursing decisions,nursing quality and satisfaction,team collaboration and quality safety,learning ability and self-confidence,and nursing professional development. The com-mon measurement tools included the Self-Assessment of Clinical Reflection and Reasoning and Script Concordance Test. Conclusion This study clarified the conceptual attributes of clinical reasoning ability in nursing students through conceptual analysis,providing a reference for improving clinical reasoning ability in nursing students and promoting in-depth development of related research.

Key words: Nursing Student, Clinical Reasoning Ability, Concept Analysis