Includes bibliographical references and index.

Nursing and the health care system -- Concepts of health, illness, stress, and health promotion -- Legal and ethical aspects of nursing -- The nursing process and critical thinking -- Assessment, nursing diagnosis, and planning -- Implementation and evaluation -- Documentation of nursing care -- Communication and the nurse-patient relationship -- Patient teaching and health promotion -- Delegation, leadership, and management -- Growth and development: infancy through adolescence -- Adulthood and the family -- Promoting healthy adaptation to aging -- Cultural and spiritual aspects of patient care -- Loss, grief, and the dying patient -- Infection prevention and control: protective mechanisms and asepsis -- Infection prevention and control in the hospital and home -- Lifting, moving, and positioning patients -- Assisting with hygiene, personal care, skin care, and the prevention of pressure ulcers -- Patient environment and safety -- Measuring vital signs -- Assessing health status -- Admitting, transferring, and discharging patients -- Diagnostic tests and specimen collection -- Fluid, electrolyte, and acid-base balance -- Concepts of basic nutrition and cultural considerations -- Diet therapy and assisted feeding -- Assisting with respiration and oxygen delivery -- Promoting urinary elimination -- Promoting bowel elimination -- Pain, comfort, and sleep -- Complementary and alternative therapies -- Pharmacology and preparation for drug administration -- Administering oral, topical, and inhalant medications -- Administering intradermal, subcutaneous, and intramuscular injections -- Administering intravenous solutions and medications -- Care of the surgical patient -- Providing wound care and treating pressure ulcers -- Promoting musculoskeletal function -- Common physical care problems of the elderly -- Common psychosocial care problems of the elderly.

Offers an engaging format and clear writing style that make it easy to master the basic nursing concepts and skills you need to practice in a variety of care settings. This book includes illustrations, critical thinking exercises, and practical examples that helps you to strengthen and apply your knowledge of essential nursing concepts.