Middle-Range Theories in Nursing: Practice and Research Applications

Question 1

Which of the following is NOT a criterion used to evaluate the rigor and relevance of a middle-range theory?

Accepted Answer

Clinical significance

Answer

Internal consistency

Answer

Parsimony

Answer

Testability

Question 2

What is the primary purpose of middle-range theories in nursing?

Accepted Answer

To inform nursing practice and research

Answer

To develop overarching nursing theories

Answer

To explain complex nursing phenomena in detail

Answer

To test specific research hypotheses meticulously

Question 3

Which characteristic is unique to middle-range theories?

Accepted Answer

They focus on specific aspects of nursing phenomena at an intermediate level

Answer

They encompass a vast scope with a high level of abstraction

Answer

They are typically developed through deductive reasoning

Answer

They have a long history of development and extensive testing

Question 4

Which method is commonly employed to develop middle-range theories?

Accepted Answer

Inductive reasoning

Answer

Deductive reasoning

Answer

Theory synthesis

Answer

Meta-analysis

Question 5

Identify an example of a testable proposition in a middle-range theory:

Accepted Answer

A supportive nurse-patient relationship leads to increased patient satisfaction

Answer

All nurses should provide culturally competent care

Answer

Nursing is fundamentally a caring profession

Answer

Theories are essential for nursing practice

Question 6

Revised: Who is widely recognized for developing the concept of middle-range theories in nursing?

Accepted Answer

Revised: Dorothea Orem

Answer

Jean Watson

Answer

Madeleine Leininger

Answer

Imogene King

Question 7

Revised: Which of the following is a widely used example of a middle-range theory in nursing?

Accepted Answer

Revised: Orem's Self-Care Deficit Theory

Answer

Rogers' Science of Unitary Human Beings

Answer

Neuman's Systems Model

Answer

Parse's Human Becoming Theory

Question 8

Which of the following is NOT a key characteristic of middle-range theories in nursing?

Accepted Answer

Highly abstract and generalizable

Answer

Focus on specific phenomena relevant to nursing

Answer

Provide a framework for deriving nursing interventions

Answer

Empirically testable

Question 9

The process of developing a research hypothesis based on a middle-range theory involves:

Accepted Answer

Translating theory concepts into measurable variables

Answer

Extending the theory's scope beyond its original intent

Answer

Testing the theory in a different context than originally intended

Answer

Revising the theory based on new research findings

Question 10

The work of Jean Watson is most closely associated with which middle-range theory?

Accepted Answer

Theory of Caring

Answer

Theory of Self-Care Deficit

Answer

Theory of Unitary Human Beings

Answer

Roy Adaptation Model

Question 11

Which of the following is NOT a step in the process of theory evaluation?

Accepted Answer

Developing new hypotheses based on the theory

Answer

Determining the theory's clarity and logical consistency

Answer

Assessing the theory's empirical support

Answer

Revising the theory based on feedback and new evidence

Question 12

Which of the following is a distinctive characteristic of middle-range theories in nursing?

Accepted Answer

They focus on specific areas of nursing practice or investigation.

Answer

They encompass all aspects of nursing, similar to grand theories.

Answer

They stem solely from empirical research findings.

Question 13

Who is recognized as the trailblazer in the development of middle-range theories in nursing?

Accepted Answer

Dorothy Orem

Answer

Betty Neuman

Answer

Martha Rogers

Answer

Jean Watson

Question 14

What is the primary purpose of utilizing middle-range theories in nursing practice?

Accepted Answer

To guide decision-making and enhance patient outcomes.

Answer

To foster unity within the nursing profession.

Answer

To generate novel nursing knowledge.

Question 15

Which of the following is an example of a middle-range theory frequently used in nursing practice?

Accepted Answer

Orem's Self-Care Deficit Theory

Answer

Chaos Theory

Answer

Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs

Answer

Systems Theory

Question 16

What is a key distinction between middle-range theories and grand theories in nursing?

Accepted Answer

Middle-range theories have a narrower focus and are more readily testable than grand theories.

Answer

Middle-range theories are not based on empirical research, while grand theories are.

Answer

Middle-range theories are developed inductively, while grand theories are developed deductively.

Question 17

What is the role of research in the development and refinement of middle-range theories in nursing?

Accepted Answer

To validate and test the theories, identify gaps, and inform theory revision.

Answer

To exclusively generate new theories.

Answer

To solely evaluate the effectiveness of nursing interventions.

Question 18

How can middle-range theories in nursing contribute to the advancement of nursing as a profession?

Accepted Answer

By providing a structured framework for nursing practice, education, and research.

Answer

By increasing the number of nurses with doctoral degrees.

Answer

By securing more funding opportunities for nursing research.

Question 19

Which of the following is a defining characteristic of middle-range theories in nursing?

Accepted Answer

They focus on a limited domain of nursing practice or research.

Answer

They are more abstract than grand theories.

Answer

They are universally applicable to all nursing contexts.

Question 20

What is the primary purpose of operational definitions in middle-range theory development?

Accepted Answer

To establish clear, objective descriptions of the concepts being measured.

Answer

To ensure the reliability of the theory

Answer

To define the research hypotheses

Question 21

Which of the following is a potential limitation of middle-range theories?

Accepted Answer

They may not be generalizable to all nursing contexts.

Answer

They are not based on empirical evidence.

Answer

They are too complex to apply in practice.

Question 22

How can middle-range theories contribute to the advancement of nursing research?

Accepted Answer

They can provide a framework for formulating research questions and hypotheses.

Answer

They can replace the need for empirical research.

Answer

They can be used to directly test grand theories.

Question 23

What is the primary reason for using a middle-range theory in a nursing research study?

Accepted Answer

To guide the research design and interpretation of findings.

Answer

To develop new nursing interventions.

Answer

To validate the theory itself

Question 24

Which step in the middle-range theory development process involves the meticulous analysis and clarification of key concepts?

Accepted Answer

Concept analysis

Answer

Data collection

Answer

Hypothesis testing

Answer

Literature review

Question 25

How do middle-range theories contribute to the development of nursing practice?

Accepted Answer

They provide a bridge between abstract concepts and real-world nursing interventions.

Answer

They replace the need for evidence-based practice.

Answer

They are only useful in academic settings.

Question 26

Which characteristic is NOT typically associated with middle-range theories in nursing?

Accepted Answer

They aim to provide a comprehensive explanation of all nursing phenomena.

Answer

They are more abstract than grand theories.

Answer

They focus on specific aspects of nursing practice.

Question 27

Which middle-range theory is specifically designed to address the experience of persons living with chronic illness?

Accepted Answer

Mishel's Uncertainty in Illness Theory

Answer

Orem's Self-Care Deficit Theory

Answer

Peplau's Interpersonal Theory

Answer

Leininger's Culture Care Theory

Question 28

According to Swanson's Theory of Caring, which action would be most appropriate for a nurse providing care to a patient grieving the loss of a loved one?

Accepted Answer

Providing emotional support and active listening.

Answer

Administering medications as prescribed.

Answer

Educating the patient about their medical condition.

Question 29

Which of the following is a crucial step in the process of developing a middle-range theory?

Accepted Answer

Identifying a specific nursing phenomenon or problem of interest.

Answer

Conducting a large-scale, quantitative research study.

Answer

Developing a comprehensive model of nursing practice.

Question 30

A nurse is utilizing Orem's Self-Care Deficit Theory in providing care to a patient with diabetes. Which of the following actions would be consistent with this theory?

Accepted Answer

Assessing the patient's abilities in self-management and providing support and education as needed.

Answer

Focusing primarily on the patient's emotional well-being and providing counseling.

Question 31

Which middle-range theory places a strong emphasis on the significance of cultural factors in nursing care?

Accepted Answer

Leininger's Culture Care Theory

Answer

Kolcaba's Theory of Comfort

Answer

Parse's Human Becoming Theory

Answer

Peplau's Interpersonal Relations Theory

Question 32

According to Parse's Human Becoming Theory, which action would be most appropriate for a nurse caring for a patient facing a terminal illness?

Accepted Answer

Encouraging the patient to reflect on their lived experiences and find meaning in their current situation.

Answer

Developing a detailed care plan to manage the patient's symptoms.

Answer

Providing the patient with factual information about their diagnosis and prognosis.

Question 33

Which of the following is NOT a perceived benefit of using middle-range theories in nursing practice?

Accepted Answer

They provide a comprehensive understanding of all aspects of nursing.

Answer

They promote consistency in nursing care delivery.

Answer

They offer guidance for nurses making clinical decisions.

Question 34

Which of the following is **not** a characteristic of a middle-range theory in nursing?

Accepted Answer

It aims to explain a broad range of phenomena across different settings.

Answer

It focuses on a specific nursing phenomenon or concept.

Answer

It is grounded in empirical data and research findings.

Question 35

Which middle-range theory focuses on the experience of uncertainty in illness and its impact on individuals and their families?

Accepted Answer

Uncertainty in Illness Theory

Answer

Self-Care Deficit Theory

Answer

Science of Unitary Human Beings

Answer

Health Promotion Model

Question 36

What is the key difference between a grand theory and a middle-range theory in nursing?

Accepted Answer

Grand theories are broad and abstract, while middle-range theories are more specific and focused.

Answer

Grand theories are based on empirical data, while middle-range theories are not.

Answer

Grand theories are used in research, while middle-range theories are used in practice.

Question 37

Which of the following is an example of a middle-range theory that addresses the concept of self-efficacy?

Accepted Answer

Social Cognitive Theory

Answer

Human Becoming Theory

Answer

Systems Model

Answer

Theory of Goal Attainment

Question 38

How do middle-range theories contribute to evidence-based practice in nursing?

Accepted Answer

By providing a framework for developing and evaluating interventions.

Answer

By eliminating the need for individual clinical judgment.

Answer

By providing a comprehensive understanding of all nursing phenomena.

Question 39

A nurse is applying the Theory of Chronic Sorrow to understand a family's experiences while caring for a child with a chronic illness. Which of the following would be a key aspect of this theory?

Accepted Answer

The cyclical nature of grief and loss associated with chronic illness.

Answer

The role of social support in coping with chronic illness.

Answer

The impact of illness on the patient's self-concept.

Question 40

Which of the following statements accurately describes the relationship between middle-range theories and nursing research?

Accepted Answer

Middle-range theories guide the development of research questions and hypotheses.

Answer

Middle-range theories are primarily for clinical practice, not research.

Answer

Research findings cannot be used to refine or test middle-range theories.