Name
Course
Instructor
Theoretical
foundations
z
z
z
Nursing theory

Theory is composed of interrelated
concepts that explain a phenomenon

McKenna et al (2014) wrote that
theory provide a structure for
observation, recognition of specific
needs of patient and implement
patient-centered care.
z
z
Components of theory

Theory is developed trough of phenomena, concepts,
propositions and assumptions derived from the phenomena.

McKenna et al (2014) wrote that the aim of a theory is “to
explain, describe or predict the phenomena.” (p. 5)
z
Phenomenon

Phenomenon: a situation observed through the sight , hearing,
smell, taste and touch (McKenna et al, 2014)

The situation or event is central to nursing or patient care

Example: difficulty breathing, pale skin
z
Concept

Concept: statement that describe situations, events, objects and
component of theory

It is a simple notion describing the phenomenon

Example: edema, shortness of breath
z
Proposition

Proposition is the statement that explains the relationship
between the concepts

Example : diarrhea may be related to cardiac dysrhythmias
because of the fluid and electrolytes imbalance
z
Assumption

Assumption: accepted truth based on values and beliefs
concerning a phenomena

Those beliefs are tested

Example: assumption that patient does not want to get sick
z
Review and example

Patients reporting dizziness and postural hypotension is a
phenomenon.

A related concept is that patients taking diuretics are at risk for
postural hypotension

A related proposition is that postural hypotension and diuretics
therapy are linked together in some way

An underlying assumption is that patients do not intend to have
postural hypotension and feel dizzy
z
z
The basis for a testable theory

• A situation, problem or event is identified: phenomenon

An idea, notion or image is developed to describe or label what
was observed earlier: concept or related concepts

We link the related concept together through a variety of
relationships such as cause and effect, leading to a question or
hypothesis to test the problem or measure the concept
z
The basis for a testable theory (cont.)

An assumption based on what is known to be true is made
explaining the concept or any related idea

The whole process will try to give answers to the question raised
by the phenomenon
z
The basis for a testable theory (cont.)

After formulating the theory, we have unanswered questions that
need to be investigated

The concepts, assumptions and propositions will be used to
explain or predicts the main situation observed though our five
senses.
z
Theory and science of nursing

According to Arif et al (2020) theories constitute the rationale
behind nursing practice and provide knowledge that differentiate
nursing from medicine.

McKenna et al. (2014) added that once the the theory has been
tested through research , it joins the vast knowledge of nursing
science
z
Theory and application

Theory guide the nurses during their practice and daily work with
reasoning, critical thinking, decision making .

Nursing is patient-centered to acknowledge the patient as
unique individual

Theories provide the approach that is focused on the patient,
which is tested and use as evidence-based practice to improve
patients' outcomes.
z
Importance of a testable theory

According to Alligood (2011) nursing theory has expanded the
knowledge through research and improve the delivery of
healthcare.

It show how to apply it and guide the practice and incorporate it
in nursing education
z
References

Alligood, M. R. (2011). The power of theoretical knowledge. Nursing
Science Quarterly, 24(4), 304–
305. https://doi.org/10.1177/0894318411419221

Arif, S., Ali, A., & Hussain, N. (2020). Nursing theories: foundation of
nursing profession. I-Manager's Journal on Nursing, 9(4), 45-50.
http://dx.doi.org/10.26634/jnur.9.4.16643

Images retrieved from google.com

McKenna, H. P., Pajnkihar, M., & Murphy, F.(2014). Fundamentals
of nursing models, theories and practice(2nd ed.). Wiley-Blackwell