Fundamental Theoretical Base of
Nursing and Nursing Practice Chapter
1 Exam 2025
Grand Theories - -Abstract and theoretical, broad, global; not specific, and difficult to
test in nursing practice.
Middle-range Theories - -More specific, clear concepts, narrow focus, may be
generalized to multiple settings, can be tested directly.
Practice Theories - -Theory to bedside practice; guides nursing care of specific
populations and situations, built on other theories.
Florence Nightengale - -Concept of the Environment. Was the first nursing theory to
focus on illness prevention and infection control through fresh air, pure water, efficient
drainage, sanitation, and sunlight. She theorized that adaptations to the patients
environments allowed for energy conservation and optimal healing.
Hildegard Peplau - -Focused on the interpersonal roles between the nurse and the
patient in her Theory of Interpersonal Relations. This theory helps nurses develop
therapeutic interactions and interventions. This theory is prominent in mental health
nursing.
Virginia Henderson - -Define nursing as assisting a patient to increase his or her
independence. Her theoretical concepts were based on Maslow's hierarchy of human
needs and emphasize how nurses can assist in meeting patients basic needs.
Martha Rogers - -Developed the science of unitary human beings. essential to this
theory is the belief that each being is unique and must be looked at as a whole, which
includes his or her environment.
Sister Callista Roy - -Adaptation model presents a method for nurses to help patients
adapt to changes physiologically, in self-concept, in their role, and in interdependence.
Adaptation occurs when the patient responds positively, leading to more favorable
health outcomes.
Dorothea Orem - -Self-care deficit theory of nursing reflect that patients heal more
quickly when they are able to perform their own self-care independently. Nurse helps
increase patients independence.
Nursing