Which theory was developed by a nurse?

Appeared in: RRB Nsg. Superintendent 21 July 2019 (shift 1st)

Explanation

The Uncertainty in Illness Theory was developed by Merle H. Mishel, a prominent nurse theorist, in 1990.
This theory is unique among the options as it originated from within the nursing profession to explain and guide patient care in situations of ambiguity and lack of information.
It focuses on how patients experience and cope with the cognitive state of uncertainty when they are unable to determine the meaning of illness-related events.

Option B: The Hierarchy of Need Theory is a foundational theory of human motivation.
Option C: The Social Cognitive Theory explains human behavior in terms of observational learning and self-efficacy.
Option D: Job Satisfaction Theory, including Herzberg's Two-Factor Theory, explores factors affecting employee motivation and satisfaction in the workplace.

Visual 1: Infographic: A chart matching each theory (Uncertainty in Illness, Hierarchy of Needs, Social Cognitive, Job Satisfaction) with its developer (Mishel, Maslow, Bandura, Herzberg) and their profession (Nurse, Psychologist, Psychologist, Management Theorist).

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: Knowing Nursing Theories and Theorists helps nurses interpret findings accurately and avoid errors in routine assessment, medication administration, and patient teaching.
Understanding the origins of nursing theories helps nurses appreciate the unique body of knowledge that guides their practice, distinct from other disciplines like psychology or sociology.
Nurses apply Mishel's theory by providing clear communication, managing symptoms, and offering support to reduce a patient's uncertainty and improve coping with diagnoses like cancer or chronic heart failure.
What if? If a patient with a new, complex diagnosis expresses feeling overwhelmed and confused, a nurse using this theory would prioritize providing structured information and emotional support over simply addressing physical needs (as per Maslow's basic levels).

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the core task of the question: to link a specific theory to a nurse developer.
Scan the options. The names of the theories may provide clues about their origin (e.g., 'Illness' points towards a healthcare context).
Recall or deduce the developers of major theories. Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs and Bandura's Social Cognitive Theory are foundational in psychology and are often taught in introductory courses.
This process of elimination leaves 'Uncertainty in Illness Theory' as the most likely candidate to have been developed by a nurse.
Confirm this by associating Merle H. Mishel, a known nurse theorist, with this specific theory.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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Practise the full RRB Nsg. Superintendent 21 July 2019 (shift 1st)

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