Abstract
The derivation and description of the embedded structure undergirding nursing interventions are provided in this study. To determine the dimensions of nursing interventions, multidimensional scaling was used to analyze similarity ratings among classes of interventions. Kruskal's stress formula indicated that the embedded structure is composed of three dimensions. To describe the dimensions, each intervention class was rated on a 16-attribute pair semantic differential scale. Subsequent factor analysis and correlations of the factors with the dimensions resulted in the delineation of three dimensions: intensity of care, complexity of care, and focus of care.