Final answer:
Basic research is conducted to generate and refine theory, and is frequently not directly useful in practice. It focuses on expanding knowledge without immediate practical application.
Step-by-step explanation:
The nurse knows that basic research is conducted to generate and refine theory, and is frequently not directly useful in practice. Basic science is the source of most scientific theories and aims to expand knowledge without any immediate practical application. It focuses on gaining a deeper understanding of fundamental concepts and processes. For example, basic research in biology might explore how the body makes cholesterol or what causes a particular disease.