TEST BANK FOR THEORETICAL
BASIS FOR NURSING, 6TH EDITION
Complete Answers with Rationales
Chapter 1: Introduction to Theory
1. Nursing has been considered both a profession and an occupation. Which of the following supports
defining nursing as a profession?
A) Autonomy
B) Learned vocation
C) Varied level of skill
D) Career with varied knowledge
Correct Answer: A) Autonomy
Rationale: Autonomy is a key characteristic that distinguishes a profession from an occupation.
Professions are characterized by autonomy, self-regulation, specialized knowledge, and a commitment
to service. Nursing's autonomy in decision-making and practice supports its classification as a
profession.
2. How many levels of entry into practice exist for registered nurses?
A) One
B) Two
C) Three
D) Four
Correct Answer: C) Three
Rationale: There are three levels of entry into practice for registered nurses: diploma, associate degree,
and baccalaureate degree. This multiple entry pathway has been a topic of debate within the nursing
profession regarding standardization of educational preparation.
3. Nursing is classified as which type of science?
,A) Pure
B) Natural
C) Human
D) Applied
Correct Answer: D) Applied
Rationale: Nursing is classified as an applied science because it applies knowledge from basic sciences
(natural, behavioral, and social) to practical situations in patient care. Applied science focuses on using
scientific knowledge to solve real-world problems, which is central to nursing practice.
4. In defining the philosophy of nursing, which of the following would not be included?
A) Purpose of human life
B) Nature of being
C) Theory of knowledge
D) Scientific method
Correct Answer: D) Scientific method
Rationale: Philosophy deals with abstract concepts such as the purpose of human life, nature of being
(ontology), and theory of knowledge (epistemology). The scientific method is a methodology for
conducting research and is not a component of philosophy, though philosophy may inform scientific
inquiry.
5. When discussing the science and philosophy of a discipline, how would one define the two in
relation to each other?
A) Autonomous
B) Reliant
C) Linked
D) Unrelated
Correct Answer: C) Linked
Rationale: Science and philosophy are linked in a discipline. Philosophy provides the foundational
beliefs, values, and assumptions that guide the development of science. Science, in turn, generates
knowledge that may inform philosophical perspectives. They are interdependent and mutually
influential.
6. Philosophy's definition includes which of the following?
,A) Study of problems that are abstract and general
B) Measures observable phenomena of interest in a discipline
C) Empirical way of gathering data
D) Grounded and tested in experience
Correct Answer: A) Study of problems that are abstract and general
Rationale: Philosophy is defined as the study of fundamental problems that are abstract and general in
nature. It explores questions about existence, knowledge, values, reason, mind, and language. The other
options refer to empirical research methodology rather than philosophy.
7. Based on the science and philosophical schools of thought, which one is founded on the belief that
what is experienced is what exists and that experiences be verified through scientific methodology?
A) Received view
B) Human science
C) Phenomenology
D) Constructivism
Correct Answer: A) Received view
Rationale: The received view (also known as logical empiricism or positivism) holds that what is
experienced is what exists and that experiences must be verified through scientific methodology. This
view emphasizes objective observation, measurement, and empirical verification as the basis for
knowledge generation.
8. Based on the science and philosophical schools of thought, which one centers on descriptions that
are derived from collectively lived experiences, interrelatedness, human interpretation, and learned
reality?
A) Empiricism
B) Positivism
C) Rationalism
D) Perceived view
Correct Answer: D) Perceived view
Rationale: The perceived view (also called the interpretive or human science perspective) centers on
descriptions derived from collectively lived experiences, interrelatedness, human interpretation, and
learned reality. This view emphasizes the subjective nature of human experience and the importance of
understanding meaning from the perspective of those experiencing phenomena.
, 9. When defining nursing philosophy, which of the following is appropriate?
A) Refers to the belief system of the profession and provides perspectives for practice, scholarship, and
research.
B) The substantive, discipline-specific knowledge that focuses on the human-universe-health process.
C) Refers to the system of relationship of human response in health and illness.
D) Responsible for generation of knowledge, which provides direction for future.
Correct Answer: A) Refers to the belief system of the profession and provides perspectives for
practice, scholarship, and research.
Rationale: Nursing philosophy refers to the belief system of the profession that provides perspectives
for practice, scholarship, and research. It articulates the values, beliefs, and assumptions that guide the
profession and provides a foundation for knowledge development and practice.
10. When discussing the knowledge development in nursing science, the study of theory is referred to
as which of the following?
A) Ontology
B) Epistemology
C) Methodology
D) Philosophy
Correct Answer: B) Epistemology
Rationale: Epistemology is the branch of philosophy that studies the nature, scope, and limits of
knowledge. In nursing science, epistemology concerns how knowledge is developed, validated, and
organized, including the study of theory development and its role in knowledge generation.
11. There are several defined ways of knowing. Which way of knowing is defined as "a priori
knowledge that pertain to knowledge gained from thought alone?"
A) Empirics
B) Personal
C) Intuitive
D) Somatic
Correct Answer: B) Personal
Rationale: Personal knowing is defined as knowledge gained from thought alone (a priori knowledge).
This type of knowing involves self-reflection, self-awareness, and understanding of one's own
BASIS FOR NURSING, 6TH EDITION
Complete Answers with Rationales
Chapter 1: Introduction to Theory
1. Nursing has been considered both a profession and an occupation. Which of the following supports
defining nursing as a profession?
A) Autonomy
B) Learned vocation
C) Varied level of skill
D) Career with varied knowledge
Correct Answer: A) Autonomy
Rationale: Autonomy is a key characteristic that distinguishes a profession from an occupation.
Professions are characterized by autonomy, self-regulation, specialized knowledge, and a commitment
to service. Nursing's autonomy in decision-making and practice supports its classification as a
profession.
2. How many levels of entry into practice exist for registered nurses?
A) One
B) Two
C) Three
D) Four
Correct Answer: C) Three
Rationale: There are three levels of entry into practice for registered nurses: diploma, associate degree,
and baccalaureate degree. This multiple entry pathway has been a topic of debate within the nursing
profession regarding standardization of educational preparation.
3. Nursing is classified as which type of science?
,A) Pure
B) Natural
C) Human
D) Applied
Correct Answer: D) Applied
Rationale: Nursing is classified as an applied science because it applies knowledge from basic sciences
(natural, behavioral, and social) to practical situations in patient care. Applied science focuses on using
scientific knowledge to solve real-world problems, which is central to nursing practice.
4. In defining the philosophy of nursing, which of the following would not be included?
A) Purpose of human life
B) Nature of being
C) Theory of knowledge
D) Scientific method
Correct Answer: D) Scientific method
Rationale: Philosophy deals with abstract concepts such as the purpose of human life, nature of being
(ontology), and theory of knowledge (epistemology). The scientific method is a methodology for
conducting research and is not a component of philosophy, though philosophy may inform scientific
inquiry.
5. When discussing the science and philosophy of a discipline, how would one define the two in
relation to each other?
A) Autonomous
B) Reliant
C) Linked
D) Unrelated
Correct Answer: C) Linked
Rationale: Science and philosophy are linked in a discipline. Philosophy provides the foundational
beliefs, values, and assumptions that guide the development of science. Science, in turn, generates
knowledge that may inform philosophical perspectives. They are interdependent and mutually
influential.
6. Philosophy's definition includes which of the following?
,A) Study of problems that are abstract and general
B) Measures observable phenomena of interest in a discipline
C) Empirical way of gathering data
D) Grounded and tested in experience
Correct Answer: A) Study of problems that are abstract and general
Rationale: Philosophy is defined as the study of fundamental problems that are abstract and general in
nature. It explores questions about existence, knowledge, values, reason, mind, and language. The other
options refer to empirical research methodology rather than philosophy.
7. Based on the science and philosophical schools of thought, which one is founded on the belief that
what is experienced is what exists and that experiences be verified through scientific methodology?
A) Received view
B) Human science
C) Phenomenology
D) Constructivism
Correct Answer: A) Received view
Rationale: The received view (also known as logical empiricism or positivism) holds that what is
experienced is what exists and that experiences must be verified through scientific methodology. This
view emphasizes objective observation, measurement, and empirical verification as the basis for
knowledge generation.
8. Based on the science and philosophical schools of thought, which one centers on descriptions that
are derived from collectively lived experiences, interrelatedness, human interpretation, and learned
reality?
A) Empiricism
B) Positivism
C) Rationalism
D) Perceived view
Correct Answer: D) Perceived view
Rationale: The perceived view (also called the interpretive or human science perspective) centers on
descriptions derived from collectively lived experiences, interrelatedness, human interpretation, and
learned reality. This view emphasizes the subjective nature of human experience and the importance of
understanding meaning from the perspective of those experiencing phenomena.
, 9. When defining nursing philosophy, which of the following is appropriate?
A) Refers to the belief system of the profession and provides perspectives for practice, scholarship, and
research.
B) The substantive, discipline-specific knowledge that focuses on the human-universe-health process.
C) Refers to the system of relationship of human response in health and illness.
D) Responsible for generation of knowledge, which provides direction for future.
Correct Answer: A) Refers to the belief system of the profession and provides perspectives for
practice, scholarship, and research.
Rationale: Nursing philosophy refers to the belief system of the profession that provides perspectives
for practice, scholarship, and research. It articulates the values, beliefs, and assumptions that guide the
profession and provides a foundation for knowledge development and practice.
10. When discussing the knowledge development in nursing science, the study of theory is referred to
as which of the following?
A) Ontology
B) Epistemology
C) Methodology
D) Philosophy
Correct Answer: B) Epistemology
Rationale: Epistemology is the branch of philosophy that studies the nature, scope, and limits of
knowledge. In nursing science, epistemology concerns how knowledge is developed, validated, and
organized, including the study of theory development and its role in knowledge generation.
11. There are several defined ways of knowing. Which way of knowing is defined as "a priori
knowledge that pertain to knowledge gained from thought alone?"
A) Empirics
B) Personal
C) Intuitive
D) Somatic
Correct Answer: B) Personal
Rationale: Personal knowing is defined as knowledge gained from thought alone (a priori knowledge).
This type of knowing involves self-reflection, self-awareness, and understanding of one's own
