Introduction to Clinical Pharmacology » (6th Edition)

Edmunds, Marilyn W., RN, PhD (Nurse Practitioner Alternatives in Education, Inc)

Intended for nursing students, this textbook introduces procedures for administering drugs and calculating dosages, then overviews the action, uses, adverse reactions, and drug interactions of medications from 13 drug groups. The fourth edition adds case studies and new HIV-related drugs. Annotation (c)2003 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR

Candis Morrison

This is a guide for the nursing student beginning to study pharmacology. Prior editions were published in 1991 and 1995. This latest edition incorporates an emphasis on pediatrics and geriatrics, mathematics and medication calculations, and updates of information presented in prior texts. The purposes are to present essential information in a clear and understandable format, use illustrations and color to clarify concepts, and inspire students to develop logical thinking process in the administration of pharmacotherapeutic agents. The author succeeds in presenting current information with the most crucial points highlighted for the reader. Though the book is intended for student nurses, it is an excellent review for more experienced practitioners, as well as a teaching aid for nursing educators. The author has published extensively in nursing pharmacology and is a credible authority. In addition, she has been a nursing educator at numerous levels. General principles of pharmacology are presented, as are principles of administration, routes of administration, and dosage calculation. Each drug group is presented, following a consistent format of action, uses, adverse reactions, interactions, nursing implications, and patient teaching. Specific agents are presented in table format for ease in location. The chapter on anti-infective medications, in particular, includes a table on each class of antibiotic with two fonts in two colors to aid in clarity. Generic and trade names are listed, along with dosages and comments. A glossary of terms is included in each chapter. This book is an excellent introductory text for nursing students as they learn how to safely administer medications. Critical thinking exercises are interwoven into the text to assist the student in assimilating this knowledge.