A nurse researcher exploring the relationship between anxiety levels and blood pressure would likely use which type of theory?

In the context of nursing research, an explanatory theory is particularly relevant when examining the relationship between anxiety levels and blood pressure. This type of theory is designed to clarify the connections between variables and help researchers understand the underlying principles of phenomena being studied. In this case, the researcher aims to explain how anxiety levels might influence or correlate with changes in blood pressure, rather than simply describing the characteristics of each condition or predicting future occurrences without establishing a direct relationship.

Explanatory theories focus on the mechanisms and processes that drive relationships, allowing for a deeper understanding of how and why one variable affects another. This is essential in evidence-based practice as it can help inform clinical practice by elucidating how managing anxiety might impact physiological factors like blood pressure. The goal is not merely to observe or identify trends, but to explain the dynamics at play, which adds value to the findings and their application in healthcare settings.