Clinical reasoning is a cognitive process that healthcare professionals use to evaluate and manage a patients medical problem. It involves collecting information, generating and testing hypotheses, and determining the optimal diagnosis and treatment based on the information obtained. Clinical reasoning is a complex process that is integral to healthcare practice, and it is essential for preventing misdirection and ensuring that the threshold of suspicion of serious pathology is at an appropriate level.

Here are some key points about clinical reasoning from the search results:

• Clinical reasoning is not a linear process but can be conceptualized as a series or spiral of linked and ongoing clinical encounters.
• The clinical reasoning process is dependent upon a critical thinking disposition and is influenced by a persons attitude, philosophical perspective, and preconceptions.
• Clinical reasoning is a context-dependent way of thinking and decision-making in professional practice to guide practice actions.
• Clinical reasoning consists of the following five dimensions: cognition, a discipline-specific knowledge base, metacognition, interpersonal skills, and practice development.
• Clinical reasoning is a perennial focus of medical education, performance assessment, and study.

In summary, clinical reasoning is a complex cognitive process that healthcare professionals use to evaluate and manage a patients medical problem. It involves collecting information, generating and testing hypotheses, and determining the optimal diagnosis and treatment based on the information obtained. Clinical reasoning is a context-dependent way of thinking and decision-making in professional practice to guide practice actions.