Which theory is primarily concerned with the patient's environment and was founded by Florence Nightingale?

• A. Environmental theory
• B. Peplau's Theory
• C. Orem's Theory
• D. Kolcaba's Theory

Answer: (A)

The main idea tested is that the environment surrounding a patient can significantly influence healing, and nursing care should focus on shaping that environment to promote recovery. Florence Nightingale founded the Environmental Theory, which holds that factors like cleanliness, ventilation, light, noise control, temperature, proper nutrition, and overall sanitary conditions are controllable influences on health. By organizing and optimizing these environmental elements, nurses help prevent illness and speed healing. This makes it the best answer because it centers nursing practice on adjusting the surroundings to support repair and wellness. The other theories emphasize different aspects—interpersonal relationships between nurse and patient, the patient’s ability to perform self-care, or the experience of comfort—rather than the environment itself as the primary nursing intervention.