NURSING THEORIES AND
NURSING PRACTICE
6TH EDITION
AUTHOR(S)MARLAINE SMITH
TEST BANK
1) Reference: Nursing Theory and the Discipline of Nursing —
Purpose of Theory
Stem:
A new graduate nurse is asked why the unit should use a
nursing theory when caring for patients. The nurse manager
explains that theory helps nurses organize care beyond
completing tasks. Which statement best reflects the value of
nursing theory in practice?
,A. It replaces the need for clinical judgment because it provides
fixed answers.
B. It helps nurses explain, predict, and guide nursing care
decisions.
C. It is mainly useful for documenting historical nursing
achievements.
D. It is only needed in graduate nursing education, not bedside
practice.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale:
Correct: Nursing theory gives structure to nursing knowledge
and helps nurses explain patient responses, predict outcomes,
and guide interventions. In practice, it supports purposeful,
evidence-informed decision-making.
A: Theory does not replace clinical judgment; it strengthens it.
C: Theory is not just historical content; it has practical value in
care delivery.
D: Theory is relevant in bedside nursing, not only in advanced
education.
Teaching Point:
Theory organizes nursing thinking and strengthens clinical
decision-making.
,Citation:
Smith, M. Nursing Theories and Nursing Practice (6th ed.),
Chapter 1.
2) Reference: Nursing Theory and the Discipline of Nursing —
Nursing as a Discipline
Stem:
During orientation, a nurse asks how nursing differs from
simply “helping patients feel better.” The educator explains
that nursing is a discipline with its own body of knowledge.
Which response best demonstrates understanding of this idea?
A. Nursing is defined mainly by physician orders and medical
diagnoses.
B. Nursing knowledge is unique because it focuses on human
responses to health conditions.
C. Nursing is identical to all other health professions because
patient care is shared.
D. Nursing knowledge is unnecessary if the nurse is
compassionate and skilled.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale:
Correct: Nursing is a distinct discipline because it focuses on
human responses to health and illness, not solely on disease
, processes. This unique perspective guides assessment and
interventions.
A: Nursing is not defined by medicine or physician orders.
C: Although care is collaborative, nursing has a distinct
knowledge base.
D: Compassion matters, but professional nursing also requires
disciplined knowledge.
Teaching Point:
Nursing is a distinct discipline focused on human responses to
health.
Citation:
Smith, M. Nursing Theories and Nursing Practice (6th ed.),
Chapter 1.
3) Reference: Nursing Theory and the Discipline of Nursing —
Theory-Guided Practice
Stem:
A patient with heart failure keeps missing follow-up
appointments and is readmitted frequently. The nurse plans
teaching based on the patient’s barriers, support system, and
confidence in self-care. Which nursing perspective is being
applied?
NURSING PRACTICE
6TH EDITION
AUTHOR(S)MARLAINE SMITH
TEST BANK
1) Reference: Nursing Theory and the Discipline of Nursing —
Purpose of Theory
Stem:
A new graduate nurse is asked why the unit should use a
nursing theory when caring for patients. The nurse manager
explains that theory helps nurses organize care beyond
completing tasks. Which statement best reflects the value of
nursing theory in practice?
,A. It replaces the need for clinical judgment because it provides
fixed answers.
B. It helps nurses explain, predict, and guide nursing care
decisions.
C. It is mainly useful for documenting historical nursing
achievements.
D. It is only needed in graduate nursing education, not bedside
practice.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale:
Correct: Nursing theory gives structure to nursing knowledge
and helps nurses explain patient responses, predict outcomes,
and guide interventions. In practice, it supports purposeful,
evidence-informed decision-making.
A: Theory does not replace clinical judgment; it strengthens it.
C: Theory is not just historical content; it has practical value in
care delivery.
D: Theory is relevant in bedside nursing, not only in advanced
education.
Teaching Point:
Theory organizes nursing thinking and strengthens clinical
decision-making.
,Citation:
Smith, M. Nursing Theories and Nursing Practice (6th ed.),
Chapter 1.
2) Reference: Nursing Theory and the Discipline of Nursing —
Nursing as a Discipline
Stem:
During orientation, a nurse asks how nursing differs from
simply “helping patients feel better.” The educator explains
that nursing is a discipline with its own body of knowledge.
Which response best demonstrates understanding of this idea?
A. Nursing is defined mainly by physician orders and medical
diagnoses.
B. Nursing knowledge is unique because it focuses on human
responses to health conditions.
C. Nursing is identical to all other health professions because
patient care is shared.
D. Nursing knowledge is unnecessary if the nurse is
compassionate and skilled.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale:
Correct: Nursing is a distinct discipline because it focuses on
human responses to health and illness, not solely on disease
, processes. This unique perspective guides assessment and
interventions.
A: Nursing is not defined by medicine or physician orders.
C: Although care is collaborative, nursing has a distinct
knowledge base.
D: Compassion matters, but professional nursing also requires
disciplined knowledge.
Teaching Point:
Nursing is a distinct discipline focused on human responses to
health.
Citation:
Smith, M. Nursing Theories and Nursing Practice (6th ed.),
Chapter 1.
3) Reference: Nursing Theory and the Discipline of Nursing —
Theory-Guided Practice
Stem:
A patient with heart failure keeps missing follow-up
appointments and is readmitted frequently. The nurse plans
teaching based on the patient’s barriers, support system, and
confidence in self-care. Which nursing perspective is being
applied?
