Which of the following is defined as a structured framework for nursing actions?

A nursing theory serves as a structured framework for nursing actions by providing a systematic approach for understanding and addressing patient care. It consists of a set of concepts, definitions, relationships, and assumptions that aim to explain phenomena within the field of nursing. Nursing theories guide nurses in their decision-making processes and help shape their practice by offering insights into how different factors influence patient health and outcomes.

This framework not only informs the actions and interventions that nurses take but also allows them to articulate the rationale behind those actions. By relying on established theories, nurses can ensure that their practice is rooted in a comprehensive understanding of human behavior, health, and care, leading to more effective and evidence-based patient care.

Other options, while important components of the nursing profession, do not specifically serve as a structured framework for nursing actions. Research methodology provides the tools and techniques for conducting studies, evidence-based practice integrates the best research evidence with clinical expertise and patient values, and clinical guidelines offer recommendations for specific practices based on current evidence but do not inherently provide a conceptual framework as nursing theories do.