,NSG 501 Theoretical Foundations of Nursing
Exam 1 Study Guide Wilkes University Nursing
Theory 150 Q&A + Rationales | 2026/2027
1. A nurse practitioner is evaluating a patient's response to a new medication. She considers the
patient's laboratory values, the patient's self-reported experience of symptom relief, and the
patient's cultural beliefs about illness. This comprehensive approach to gathering data best
reflects which concept central to the philosophy of nursing science?
A. Empiricism as the sole source of nursing knowledge
B. Multiple ways of knowing
C. Reductionist thinking
D. Positivist epistemology
Correct Answer: B. Multiple ways of knowing
Rationale: Multiple ways of knowing recognizes that nursing knowledge is derived from various
sources—empirical (laboratory values), personal (patient's self-report), and ethical/cultural
(beliefs about illness). This concept is foundational to nursing science and contrasts with the
positivist view that only empirical, measurable data constitutes valid knowledge .
2. Which philosophical paradigm asserts that reality is objective, measurable, and independent
of the observer?
A. Interpretivism
B. Constructivism
,C. Positivism
D. Critical theory
Correct Answer: C. Positivism
Rationale: Positivism is a philosophical paradigm that assumes a single, objective reality that can
be measured and observed independently of the researcher. It underpins quantitative research
and traditional scientific methods. Interpretivism and constructivism assume multiple,
subjective realities, while critical theory focuses on power and social change.
3. The nurse practitioner identifies that a patient's wound healing is delayed. She considers not
only the physiological factors (infection, nutrition) but also the patient's emotional state, social
support, and access to resources. This holistic perspective is most consistent with which
concept?
A. Reductionism
B. Holism
C. Determinism
D. Dualism
Correct Answer: B. Holism
Rationale: Holism is the philosophical perspective that a system cannot be fully understood by
examining its parts in isolation. Nursing's holistic approach considers the interconnectedness of
biological, psychological, social, and spiritual dimensions of the person. Reductionism examines
parts in isolation, while dualism separates mind and body.
, 4. Which way of knowing emphasizes the role of personal experience and the meaning
individuals attach to their experiences?
A. Empirical knowing
B. Aesthetic knowing
C. Personal knowing
D. Ethical knowing
Correct Answer: C. Personal knowing
Rationale: Personal knowing involves the subjective, lived experience of the self and others. It is
deeply connected to personal identity and the therapeutic use of self. Empirical knowing is
based on observation and measurement, aesthetic knowing involves the art of nursing, and
ethical knowing involves moral reasoning.
5. A nurse practitioner uses intuition developed through years of clinical experience to sense
that a patient is deteriorating despite normal vital signs. This type of knowledge is best
described as:
A. Empirics
B. Personal knowing
C. Aesthetics
D. Ethics
Exam 1 Study Guide Wilkes University Nursing
Theory 150 Q&A + Rationales | 2026/2027
1. A nurse practitioner is evaluating a patient's response to a new medication. She considers the
patient's laboratory values, the patient's self-reported experience of symptom relief, and the
patient's cultural beliefs about illness. This comprehensive approach to gathering data best
reflects which concept central to the philosophy of nursing science?
A. Empiricism as the sole source of nursing knowledge
B. Multiple ways of knowing
C. Reductionist thinking
D. Positivist epistemology
Correct Answer: B. Multiple ways of knowing
Rationale: Multiple ways of knowing recognizes that nursing knowledge is derived from various
sources—empirical (laboratory values), personal (patient's self-report), and ethical/cultural
(beliefs about illness). This concept is foundational to nursing science and contrasts with the
positivist view that only empirical, measurable data constitutes valid knowledge .
2. Which philosophical paradigm asserts that reality is objective, measurable, and independent
of the observer?
A. Interpretivism
B. Constructivism
,C. Positivism
D. Critical theory
Correct Answer: C. Positivism
Rationale: Positivism is a philosophical paradigm that assumes a single, objective reality that can
be measured and observed independently of the researcher. It underpins quantitative research
and traditional scientific methods. Interpretivism and constructivism assume multiple,
subjective realities, while critical theory focuses on power and social change.
3. The nurse practitioner identifies that a patient's wound healing is delayed. She considers not
only the physiological factors (infection, nutrition) but also the patient's emotional state, social
support, and access to resources. This holistic perspective is most consistent with which
concept?
A. Reductionism
B. Holism
C. Determinism
D. Dualism
Correct Answer: B. Holism
Rationale: Holism is the philosophical perspective that a system cannot be fully understood by
examining its parts in isolation. Nursing's holistic approach considers the interconnectedness of
biological, psychological, social, and spiritual dimensions of the person. Reductionism examines
parts in isolation, while dualism separates mind and body.
, 4. Which way of knowing emphasizes the role of personal experience and the meaning
individuals attach to their experiences?
A. Empirical knowing
B. Aesthetic knowing
C. Personal knowing
D. Ethical knowing
Correct Answer: C. Personal knowing
Rationale: Personal knowing involves the subjective, lived experience of the self and others. It is
deeply connected to personal identity and the therapeutic use of self. Empirical knowing is
based on observation and measurement, aesthetic knowing involves the art of nursing, and
ethical knowing involves moral reasoning.
5. A nurse practitioner uses intuition developed through years of clinical experience to sense
that a patient is deteriorating despite normal vital signs. This type of knowledge is best
described as:
A. Empirics
B. Personal knowing
C. Aesthetics
D. Ethics
