Main description:

The assessment and management of patients who are critically or acutely ill, or showing signs of clinical deterioration, is a crucial nursing skill. This book will help adult nursing students to competently manage care of critically and acutely ill patients, and to recognise and deal with the early signs of deterioration. The book takes a practical real-life approach to care, with each chapter focussing on patients with specific problems, then interweaving the knowledge and skills needed to care for that patient, including the nurse's role and responsibilities, assessment, diagnosis, planning, management, related pathophysiology and collaborative team working.

Contents:

Assessing, Recognising and Responding to Acute and Critical Illness - Desiree Tait The Breathless Patient - Jane James with Julie Wickland The Patient Who Needs Respiratory Support - Desiree Tait The Patient with Chest Pain - David Barton with Thomas Barton The Patient in Pain - Catherine Williams with Susan Salerno The Patient in Shock - Desiree Tait with Bethan James The Patient with Sepsis and Distributive Shock - Desiree Tait with Sandra Miles The Patient with Acute Confusion or Delirium - Desiree Tait with Julie Wickland The Patient with Altered Consciousness - Jane James with Sandra Miles The Patient with Physiological Trauma - Catherine Williams with Susan Salerno Patients and Relatives with Psychological Trauma - Desiree Tait with Bethan James Conclusion: Lessons Learned - An Action Plan for Practice - Desiree Tait