What classification of nursing theories is characterized as abstract, broad in scope, and complex?

The classification characterized as abstract, broad in scope, and complex is indeed grand nursing theories. These theories are foundational frameworks that provide comprehensive guidelines for nursing practice. They encompass a wide range of concepts and propositions that strive to explain and understand nursing phenomena in a holistic manner.

Grand nursing theories are designed to address the overall experiences and interactions within the healthcare system, rather than focusing on a specific aspect of nursing care or patient interaction. They integrate various elements of nursing, including patient care, health promotion, and various environmental factors. Their abstract nature allows them to be applied in various contexts, making them versatile for guiding practice and research across different nursing specialties.

In contrast, other classifications such as middle-range theories, prescriptive theories, and descriptive theories are more specific and focused, dealing with particular phenomena or aspects of nursing practice. Middle-range theories, for example, often target specific situations or practices, while prescriptive theories provide direction for nurse interventions. Descriptive theories are focused on outlining and categorizing phenomena without necessarily explaining them in depth. Thus, grand nursing theories hold a unique position in the hierarchy of nursing theories, providing a comprehensive lens through which to view nursing practice.