Final answer:
Prescriptive theory is used to develop and test specific nursing interventions, offering practical guidelines and directions for nursing practice.
Step-by-step explanation:
The type of theory that is used to develop and test specific nursing interventions is known as prescriptive theory. These theories provide guidelines for nursing practices and specific interventions and help assess patient outcomes.
Unlike grand theories that are broad and provide a general framework for nursing practices, or middle-range theories which are less abstract and focus on a specific aspect of nursing, prescriptive theories are practical and operational in nature, offering specific direction for practice.