Why you should read this article:

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To learn about the concept of logical fallacies in the context of nursing practice

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To be aware of six logical fallacies that are common deceptive patterns of reasoning

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To recognise that logical fallacies in critical reasoning and decision-making can affect patient care

Logical fallacies can affect routine and complex decision-making, potentially leading to a reduction in the efficacy or application of robust evidence to care. Experienced and inexperienced nurses may inadvertently integrate fallacious reasoning into their clinical decisions due to the inherent deceptiveness of logical fallacies and the effect of cognitive biases. By gaining an understanding of logical fallacies, nurses may be able to identify them during clinical reasoning processes, thereby mitigating their effects on clinical outcomes. This article considers six of the most common logical fallacies and provides examples of how they might manifest in clinical practice.