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Barnum (1998) divided nursing theories into those that describe and those that explain nursing phenomena. What is an example of a nursing theory that primarily describes nursing phenomena?

User Lock
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Final answer:

Florence Nightingale's Environmental Theory is an example of a nursing theory that describes nursing phenomena, specifically how the patient's environment affects their health and healing process.

Step-by-step explanation:

An example of a nursing theory that primarily describes nursing phenomena is the Environmental Theory by Florence Nightingale. Nightingale's theory focuses on the importance of a patient's environment in the healing process. This theory outlines the role of fresh air, cleanliness, quiet, and the proper administration of diet as fundamental elements for promoting the health and recovery of patients. Such theories help professionals understand the influence of external factors on patient wellness and are pertinent in guiding care and the management of care environments in nursing practice.

While Nightingale's theory doesn't necessarily explain the biological mechanisms at play, it certainly describes how changes in a patient's environment can influence health outcomes. This descriptive approach to nursing serves as a foundation for how nurses can manage the environment to enhance patient care.

User GPH
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