FUNDAMENTAL OF NURSING

We are very excited to share the fourth edition of Fundamentals of Nursing: Standards and Practice with you! It is hoped that this text will encourage the student to develop an inquiring stance based on the joy of discovery and a love of learning. Nursing is facing new challenges in delivering quality care to clients in a variety of settings. The settings for delivery of care are rapidly expanding and challenge nurses to think outside the box in applying best practices based on current research. This edition presents the most current advances in nursing care, nursing education, and research relative to the demands of delivering care across a continuum of settings. Multiple theories of nursing are embraced, and nursing’s metaparadigm elements of theory—human beings, environment, health, and nursing—are threaded throughout this text. The organization of units and chapters is sequential; however, every effort has been made to allow for varying needs of diverse curricula and students. Each chapter may be used independently of the others according to the specific curriculum design. This comprehensive edition addresses fundamental concepts and skills to help prepare novice graduate nurses to apply an understanding of human behavior to issues encountered in clinical settings. Physiological and psychosocial responses of both client and nurse are addressed in a holistic manner. Integrative modalities are presented in an environment that encourages clients to participate in determining their care. Up-to-date clinical information is based on sound theoretical concepts and provides a rationale for practice. Scientific evidence is applied to the implementation of nursing interventions. CONCEPTUAL APPROACH This edition presents in-depth material in a clear, concise manner using language that is easy to read, by linking related concepts. Nursing knowledge is formulated on the basic concepts of scientific and discipline-specific theory, health and health promotion, the environment, holism, client teaching, spirituality, research and evidence-based practice, and the continuum of care. Emphasis is placed on cultural diversity, care of the older adult, and ethical and legal principles. The nursing process provides a consistent approach for presenting information. Assessment tools specific to selected topics are presented to assist students with pertinent data collection. Therapeutic nursing interventions reflect standards of practice and emphasize safety, communication skills, interdisciplinary collaboration, and effective delegation in delivering nursing care. Critical thinking and reflective reasoning skills are integrated throughout the text. The safe and appropriate use of technology has been incorporated throughout the text to reflect contemporary nursing practice. The conceptual approach used as an organizational framework for the fourth edition falls into four categories: • Individuals: Viewed as holistic beings with multiple needs and strengths and the abilities to meet those needs. Holism implies that individuals are treated as whole entities rather than fragmented parts or problems. Each person is a complex entity who is influenced by cultural values, including spiritual beliefs and practices. Every person has the right to be treated with dignity and respect regardless of race, ethnicity, age, religion, socioeconomic status, or health status. • Environment: A complex interrelationship of internal and external variables. Internal variables include one’s selfconcept, self-efficacy, cognitive development, and psychological traits. The external environment affects an individuals