Overview of Grand Nursing Theories

Question 1

global in their application to the
discipline of nursing and have been instrumental in helping to develop nursing science. Because of their
diversity, their complexity, and their differing worldviews,
learning about grand nursing theories can be confusing.

Answer 1

grand theories

Question 2

What are the characteristics of grand nursing theories?

Answer 2

o Composed of relatively abstract concepts
o Developed through thoughtful appraisal
of existing ideas
o May incorporate other theories

Question 3

Have helped develop the discipline

Answer 3

Grand Nursing Theory

Question 4

True or False

Some believe need for grand theories is outdated.

Answer 4

True

Question 5

Provide a background of philosophical reasoning

Answer 5

Grand Nursing Theory

Question 6

Many nursing theorists are still writing, updating
their work based on changes in the health care
system and society.

Answer 6

Grand Nursing Theory

Question 7

❖The number of grand nursing theories leads to confusion.
❖Many have coined their own terms also leading to confusion.

Answer 7

Grand nursing theories

Question 8

What are the three main groups?

Answer 8

o Human needs theories (particulate–deterministic)
o Interactive theories (integrative, reciprocal)
o Unitary process theories (unitary, simultaneity)

Question 9

Also termed “particulate–deterministic”

Answer 9

Human Needs theory

Question 10

it is based on the positivist view of science

Answer 10

Human Needs Theories

Question 11

What are the positivist views

Answer 11

o Stress quantitative research methods
o Humans are viewed a reducible (sum of parts).
o Change is linear and causal.

Question 12

Humans are biopsychosocial-spiritual beings.

Answer 12

human needs theories

Question 13

Humans react to their environment in a causal way.

Answer 13

human needs theories

Question 14

Change is predictable as humans survive and adapt.

Answer 14

human needs theories

Question 15

Earliest theorists drew from the empirical (positivist)
worldview focusing on meeting needs.

Answer 15

human needs theories

Question 16

Early theories were developed to distinguish nursing from
medicine.

Answer 16

human needs theories

Question 17

In needs-based theories, clients are sum of their parts.

Answer 17

human needs theories

Question 18

Cause of the problem can be identified, measured, and
treated.

Answer 18

human needs theories

Question 19

Also termed integrative or reciprocal

Answer 19

Interactive Nursing Theories

Question 20

❖Postpositive worldview (not strictly positivistic)
o Recognize that reality is multidimensional and
contextual
o Objectivity and subjectivity are desirable.

Answer 20

Interactive Nursing Theories

Question 21

Humans are holistic beings.

Answer 21

Interactive Nursing Theories

Question 22

Humans interact reciprocally with their environment.

Answer 22

Interactive Nursing Theories

Question 23

came after the needs-based theories.

Answer 23

Interactive Nursing Theories

Question 24

Theorists frequently use systems theory to describe
interaction between client/person and environment.

Answer 24

Interactive Nursing Theories

Question 25

Also termed unitary or simultaneity theories

Answer 25

Unitary Process Theories

Question 26

Views humans as unitary beings

Answer 26

Unitary Process Theories

Question 27

Humans are self-evolving and self-regulating

Answer 27

Unitary Process Theories

Question 28

Humans are in constant and simultaneous interaction
with a universal energy system.

Answer 28

Unitary Process Theories

Question 29

Humans are known by patterns of energy and
distinctions from others.

Answer 29

Unitary Process Theories

Question 30

Change is unidirectional and unpredictable

Answer 30

Unitary Process Theories