Registered Practical Nurse (RPN) Practice Test

What type of error involves jumping to conclusions without sufficient evidence?

1. Labeling

2. Overgeneralization

3. Mind reading

4. Catastrophizing

The correct answer is: Mind reading

The type of error that involves jumping to conclusions without sufficient evidence is known as mind reading. This cognitive distortion occurs when an individual assumes they know what someone else is thinking or feeling without any concrete evidence to support these beliefs. For instance, if a nurse interprets a patient’s silence as disapproval, they may react as if their assumption is a fact, despite the lack of evidence to confirm how the patient truly feels. This often leads to misunderstandings and misplaced assumptions in communication, which can adversely affect patient care and professional relationships. In contrast, the other types of errors represent different forms of cognitive distortions. Overgeneralization involves making broad conclusions based on a single event or a limited set of experiences, which is different from the assumption of knowing others' thoughts. Labeling refers to putting a global label on a person or self based on a specific behavior, while catastrophizing entails viewing a situation as far worse than it is without realistic evidence. Each of these errors impacts perception and decision-making in unique ways.