Synopsis
Fully revised and updated, this clinical pharmacology textbook presents pharmacologic principles in a readily accessible format. It combines pharmacology, drug calculation, and administration for adult and pediatric patients into one comprehensive resource. Drugs are presented in a prototype chart format, providing quick access to generic and brand names, dosages, uses, and considerations, as well as the nursing process in drug therapy. Nearly 100 updated drug charts list dosages, indications, contraindications, drug-lab-food interactions, pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, therapeutic effects, side effects, and adverse reactions.
(Includes a FREE SIMON website at:www.harcourthealth.com/SIMON/KeeHayes/pharmacology/)
Phyllis J. Mason
Principles of pharmacology are presented in this book in a comprehensive, user friendly manner. Medication administration, dosage calculation, the nursing process, client teaching, and clinical scenarios are also covered to reinforce the information. The purpose is to teach students the fundamental principles of pharmacology and to illustrate the role of the nurse in drug therapy. The objectives are worthy because this is fundamental information for safe medication administration in one text. The objectives identified by the editors are met. According to the editors, this book is written for nursing students, for NCLEX review and preparation, and for nurses practicing in a variety of settings. In my opinion, it is appropriate for the intended audience. This book contains pharmacologic principles, with drug dosage calculation for adults and children. There are colorful photographs of the equipment used to administer medications, realistic pictures of medications, and charts to summarize information. Clinical practice problems are presented with real drug labels for practicing dosage calculations. Charts and pictures are clear and colorful. The clinical scenarios in each chapter challenge students to apply their knowledge and analytical skills to respond to situations. One shortcoming is the text cannot be used as a pocket guide due to its size. This is an excellent text for teaching pharmacology, dosage calculations, evaluating patients' responses, and client and family teaching. As a teaching text it has an advantage over the pocket guide in the use of clinical scenarios that promote critical and analytical thinking. There is no need to purchase a separate book for dosagecalculation. This third edition is justified due to changes in treatment and drug therapy. In this edition, the chapters on cultural considerations, herbal therapy and nursing implications, medication administration in community settings, HIV-related agents, and vaccines has been added.