Which statement is true about descriptive theories?

• A. Descriptive theories direct specific nursing activities
• B. Descriptive theories do not direct specific nursing activities
• C. Descriptive theories are the first level of theory development
• D. Descriptive theories describe phenomena, speculate on why they occur, and describe their consequences

Answer: (B)

Descriptive theories focus on observing and naming phenomena in nursing, detailing how things are and how they relate, without prescribing actions for practice. They map out what patients experience, what variables are involved, and how those variables co-occur. This descriptive, exploratory role lays the groundwork for future research and the development of more practical guidance, but it does not tell nurses exactly what to do in specific situations. That’s why the statement that descriptive theories do not direct specific nursing activities is the best fit. The other ideas imply guidance for practice or explicit explanations of causation or development levels, which descriptive theories do not typically provide.