Alexander's Nursing Practice is the most comprehensive textbook available for undergraduate nursing students today.

This resource will prepare students for their future role as healthcare professionals in a variety of settings. It covers all the basics of nursing, including care of patients with common disorders, core nursing issues like medicines management and infection prevention and control, and how to nurse specific patient groups. The sixth edition has been fully updated to incorporate the latest evidence, policies and registration requirements, and reflects the transformative changes currently occurring in healthcare policies, procedures and technologies.

With a host of features to enhance the learning and teaching experience, this book will make a significant contribution to preparing compassionate nurses who will deliver patient-centred, high quality and holistic care.

Cover image
Title page
Copyright
Contents
Dedication
Contributors
Preface
Acknowledgements
1 On Being a Nurse
Introduction
Conclusion
References
Section 1 Care of Patients With Common Disorders
2 Nursing Patients With Cardiovascular Disorders
Introduction
Anatomy and Physiology of the Heart
Cardiac Arrhythmias
Cardiovascular Disease
Hypertension
Coronary Heart Disease
Acute Coronary Syndromes
Valvular Heart Disease
Heart Failure
Aortic Aneurysms and Acute Aortic Syndromes
Peripheral Vascular Disease
Peripheral Arterial Disease
Acute Lower Limb Ischaemia
Peripheral Venous Disease
Summary: Key Nursing Issues
Reflection and Learning What Next?
References
Further Reading
Useful Websites
3 Nursing Patients With Respiratory Disorders
Introduction
Anatomy and Physiology: Overview
Principles of Nursing Management in the Prevention and Treatment of Respiratory Disorders
Respiratory Assessment and Investigations
Common Respiratory Disorders
Respiratory Failure
Infections of the Respiratory System
Cystic Fibrosis
Bronchiectasis
Lung Cancer
Pneumothorax
Summary: Key Nursing Issues
Reflection and Learning What Next?
References
Useful Websites
4 Nursing Patients With Gastrointestinal, Liver and Biliary Disorders
Introduction
Anatomy and Physiology of the Gastrointestinal Tract
Disorders of the Gastrointestinal Tract
Disorders of the Mouth
Disorders of the Oesophagus
Disorders of the Stomach and Duodenum
Disorders of the Small and Large Intestines
Anorectal Disorders
Disorders of the Hepatobiliary System: An Introduction
Anatomy and Physiology of the Liver
Functions of the Liver
Anatomy and Physiology of the Gallbladder
The Pancreas
Disorders of the Pancreas
Pancreatitis
Cancer of the Pancreas
The Spleen
Disorders of the Spleen
Summary: Key Nursing Issues
Reflection and Learning What Next?
References
Useful Websites
5 Nursing Patients With Endocrine Disorders
Introduction
Anatomy and Physiology
Disorders of the Pituitary and Hypothalamus
Hypersecretion of Anterior Pituitary Hormones
Hyposecretion of Anterior Pituitary Hormones
Disorder of Posterior Pituitary/Hypothalamus: Abnormal Antidiuretic Hormone (ADH) Secretion
Disorders of the Thyroid
Hypersecretion of Thyroid Hormones
Cancer of the Thyroid Gland
Hyposecretion of Thyroid Hormones
Disorders of the Parathyroids
Hypersecretion of the Parathyroids
Hyposecretion of the Parathyroids
Disorders of the Adrenals
Hypersecretion of the Adrenals
Hyposecretion of the Adrenals
Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia (CAH)
The Gonads Disorders of Sexual Differentiation
Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)
Summary: Key Nursing Issues
Reflection and Learning What Next?
References
Further Reading
Useful Websites
6 Nursing Patients With Diabetes Mellitus
Introduction
Anatomy and Physiology
type 1 diabetes
Type 2 Diabetes
Impaired Glucose Tolerance and Impaired Fasting Glycaemia
Diabetes Mellitus Secondary to Other Conditions
Management Strategies in Diabetes Mellitus
Attaining and Maintaining Normoglycaemia
Monitoring Response to Therapy
Preventing and Detecting Acute Metabolic Complications of Diabetes
Preventing and Detecting the Chronic Complications of Diabetes
Facilitating Self-Care Through Education
Promoting Psychological and Social Adjustment
Future Developments
Summary: Key Nursing Issues
Reflection and Learning What Next?
References
Further Reading
Useful Websites
7 Nursing Patients With Disorders of the Lymphatic and Immune Systems
Introduction
The Immune System and the Concept of Self vs Non-Self
The Innate Immune System
The Adaptive Immune System
Allergies and Anaphylaxis
Vaccinations, Measles and Adaptive Immunity
The Lymphatic System
Autoimmune Disease: A Failure of Self vs Non-Self Discrimination
Transplant Rejection
Viruses
Immunodeficiency
COVID-19
Addressing Health Inequalities
Summary: Key Nursing Issues
Reflection and Learning What Next?
References
Further Reading
Useful Websites
8 Nursing Patients With Disorders of the Breast and Reproductive Systems
Introduction
Anatomy and Physiology of the Female Reproductive System
Menstrual Disorders
Abnormal Uterine Bleeding
Menstrual Considerations for Transgender and Nonbinary People
Premenstrual Syndrome
Disorders of the Climacteric/Menopause
Disorders of the Female Reproductive System
Benign Ovarian Tumours
Benign Uterine Tumours
Trophoblastic Tumours
Gynaecological Cancer
Uterine Displacement and Prolapse
Infections of the Female Reproductive Tract
Disorders of Early Pregnancy
Family Planning Services
Infertility
Cultural Awareness in Reproductive Health
Summary: Key Nursing Issues
Reflection and Learning What Next?
Introduction
Anatomy and Physiology
Normal Breast Changes
Benign Breast Disorders
Breast Cancer and Potential Sequelae
The Role of the Clinical Nurse Specialist in Breast Care
Summary: Key Nursing Issues
Reflection and Learning What Next?
References
Further Reading
Useful Websites
9 Nursing Patients With Disorders of the Male Reproductive Systems
Introduction
Testicular Disorders
Vasectomy
Disorders of the Penis
Sexual Dysfunction
Cultural Awareness in Reproductive Health
Summary: Key Nursing Issues
Reflection and Learning What Next?
References
Further Reading/Information Sites
10 Nursing Patients With Urinary Disorders
Introduction
Anatomy and Physiology
Disorders of The Urinary System
Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)
Obstructive Disorders of the Urinary Tract
Renal Disorders
Disorders of the Bladder
Disorders of the Prostate
Urethral Stricture and Disorders of the Male Urethra and Penis
Summary: Key Nursing Issues
Reflection and Learning What Next?
References
Further Reading
Useful Websites
11 Nursing Patients With Disorders of the Nervous System
Introduction
Anatomy and Physiology
Neurological Investigations
Head Injury and Raised Intracranial Pressure
Cerebrovascular Disease
Intracranial Tumours
Epilepsy
Multiple Sclerosis
Parkinson's Disease
Infections of the Central Nervous System
Huntington's Disease
Summary: Key Nursing Issues
Reflection and Learning What Next?
References
Further Reading
Useful Websites
12 Nursing Patients With Musculoskeleta l Disorders
Introduction
Anatomy and Physiology of the Musculoskeletal System
Skeletal Disorders
Fractures
Fractures of Specific Sites Lower Limb
Fractures of Specific Sites Upper Limb
Prevention of Complications of Fractures Summary
Spinal Injuries
Osteoporosis
Bone Tumours Osteosarcoma
Amputation of a Limb
Bone Infections
disorders of joints
Disorders of the Lumbar Spine Back Pain
Degenerative and Inflammatory Joint Disorders
Soft Tissue Injuries
Ligament Injuries
Muscle and Tendon Injuries
Peripheral Nerve Injuries
Summary: Key Nursing Issues
Reflection and Learning What Next?
References
Further Reading
Useful Websites
13 Nursing Patients With Blood Disorders
Introduction
Anatomy and Physiology
Blood Transfusion
Disorders Of The Blood
Disorders of Red Blood Cells Anaemias (General Aspects)
Specific Anaemias
Disorders of Red Blood Cells Overproduction
Disorders of White Blood Cells and Lymphoid Tissue
Disorders of Coagulation
Summary: Key Nursing Issues
Reflection and Learning What Next?
References
Further Reading
Useful Websites
14 Nursing Patients With Skin Disorders
Introduction
Anatomy and Physiology
Skin Assessment
Principles of Therapy in Skin Disorders
Disorders of The Skin
Psoriasis
Eczema
Skin Infections and Infestations
Bullous Disorders
Acute Skin Failure
Acne
Photodermatoses
Urticaria
Skin Tumours
Summary: Key Nursing Issues
References
Reflection and Learning What Next?
References
Further Reading
Useful Websites
15 Nursing Patients With Disorders of the Eye and Sight Impairment
Introduction
Anatomy and Physiology
Assessing the Eye and Visual Function
The Sight-Impaired Person (SIP)
Conditions Requiring Surgical Intervention
Red Eye
External Eye Conditions
Eye Injuries
Surgical Removal of an Eye
Age-Related Conditions
Systemic Disease and Disorders of the Eye
Summary: Key Nursing Issues
Reflection and Learning What Next?
References
Useful Websites
16 Nursing Patients With Disorders of the Ear, Nose and Throat
Introduction
The Ear
Anatomy and Physiology of the Ear
Disorders of the External Ear
Deafness and Hearing Loss
Disorders of the Middle Ear
Disorders of the Inner Ear
The Nose
Anatomy and Physiology of the Nose
Disorders of the Nose
Disorders of the Paranasal Sinuses
Disorders of the Nasal Septum
Nasal Obstruction
The Throat
Anatomy and Physiology of the Throat
Disorders of the Throat
Summary: Key Nursing Issues
Reflection and Learning What Next?
References
Further Reading
Useful Websites
Section 2 Core Nursing Issues
17 Pharmacology and Medicines Management
Introduction
Drugs, Medicines and Pharmacology
Summary: Key Nursing Issues
Reflection and Learning What Next?
References
Further Reading
Useful Websites
18 Infection Prevention and Control
Introduction
An Overview of the Challenges of Healthcare-Associated Infections
Infection Prevention and Control Measures
Infection Prevention and Control Measures in Community Settings
Use of Evidence-Based Practice Guidelines to Ensure Targeted Measures to Prevent HCAI
Summary: Key Nursing Issues
Reflection and Learning
References
Useful Websites
19 The Deteriorating Patient, Recognising and Managing Shock
Introduction
The Evolving Pathophysiology of Shock
Types Of Shock
Hypovolaemic Shock
Cardiogenic Shock
Obstructive Shock
Distributive Shock
Septic Shock
Anaphylactic Shock
Spinal Shock
Neurogenic Shock
Monitoring the Patient in Shock
Summary: Key Nursing Issues
Reflection and Learning What Next?
References
Useful Websites
20 Pain Management
Introduction
Defining Pain: Competing Perspectives
Theories of Pain
Pain Physiology and Functional Anatomy An Overview
Classification of Pain
Key Concepts
Pain Threshold
Pain Tolerance
Management of Pain
Pain Assessment
Pain Measurement
Pharmacological Pain Management
Non-pharmacological Pain Management
Clinical Governance in Pain Management
Summary: Key Nursing Issues
Reflection and Learning What Next?
References
Further Reading
Useful Websites and Resources
21 Maintaining Fluid, Electrolyte and Acid Base Balance
Introduction
Fluid in the Body
Electrolytes in the Body
Water and Electrolyte Homeostasis
Fluid and Electrolyte Disturbances
Maintaining Acid Base Balance
Problems Associated With Fluid and Electrolyte Imbalance
Summary: Key Nursing Issues
Reflection and Learning What Next?
References
Further Reading
Useful Websites
22 Nutrition and Health
Introduction
Principles of Nutritional Science
Public Health Nutrition
Food Safety
Nutritional Care by Nurses
Nutritional Screening and Assessment
The Nutrition Support Team and the Nutrition Nurse Specialist
Future Directions in Nutritional Care
Summary: Key Nursing Issues
Reflection and Learning What Next?
References
Useful Websites
23 Tissue Viability and Managing Chronic Wounds
Introduction
Wound Definition, Types and Classification
Physiology of Wound Healing
Factors That Adversely Affect Healing
Wound Infection
Specific Wound Types
Sutured Wounds
Traumatic Wounds
Malignant Wounds
Summary: Key Nursing Issues
Reflection and Learning What Next?
References
Useful Websites
24 Maintaining Continence
Introduction
Continence
Impact of Covid-19 on Continence Services
Incontinence
Urinary Incontinence
Faecal Incontinence
Epidemiology of Incontinence Prevalence Studies
Sociological Factors in Underreporting of Incontinence
Factors Contributing to Incontinence
Medical Management
Assessment
Planning Care Strategies for Promoting Continence: An Overview
Managing Symptoms Related to Conditions That Exacerbate Incontinence
Referring Patients
Continence Advisory Services
Aids and Equipment
Long-Term Catheterisation
Relationships Expressing Sexuality
Summary: Key Nursing Issues
Reflection and Learning What Next?
References
Further Reading
Useful Websites
Section 3 Nursing Specific Patient Groups
25 The Care of a Person Undergoing Surgery
Introduction
Preoperative Care
Intraoperative Care
Anaesthesia
Postoperative Care
Summary: Key Nursing Issues
Reflection and Learning What Next?
References
Useful Websites
Useful Tools
26 Nursing the Patient Who Experiences Trauma
Introduction
Trauma: Epidemiology and the Need for Injury Prevention
Mechanism of Injury
Death Following Trauma
Disability
Prehospital Care
Emergency Department
Definitive Care
Trauma-Informed Care
Psychological Care
Organ and Tissue Donation Following Trauma Death
Staff Stress and Grief
Medico-Legal Aspects of Trauma Care
Challenging Behaviour
Mass Casualty Trauma Care
Summary: Key Nursing Issues
Reflection and Learning What Next?
References
Useful Websites
27 Nursing the Unconscious Patient
Introduction
Anatomical and Physiological Basis for Consciousness
States of Impaired Consciousness
Assessment of the Nervous System
Causes of Unconsciousness
Emergency Care of the Unconscious Patient
Nursing Management of the Unconscious Patient
Summary: Key Nursing Issues
Reflection and Learning What Next?
References
Useful Websites
28 Nursing the Critically Ill Patient
Introduction
Patient Safety
Meeting the Physical Needs of the Critically Ill Patient
Respiratory Needs and Care
Cardiovascular Care
Sepsis
Renal Care and Fluid Balance
Neurological Care
Sedation and Pain Management
Nutritional and Gastrointestinal Care
Hygiene, Mobility and Wound Care
Meeting the Psychosocial, Cultural and Spiritual Needs of the Critically Ill Patient
Summary: Key Nursing Issues
Reflection and Learning What Next?
References
Further Reading
Useful Websites
29 Nursing the Patient With Burn Injury
Introduction
Prevention of Burn Injuries
First Aid Treatment of Burns
Assessing the Severity of Burn Injuries
The Patient With Extensive Burns
The Burn Wound
Psychological Effects of Burn Injuries
Summary: Key Nursing Issues
Reflection and Learning What Next?
References
Further Reading
Useful Websites
30 Care and Rehabilitation of People With Long-Term Conditions
Introduction
What Is a Long-Term Condition?
Factors Influencing Long-Term Conditions, Disability and Frailty
How Prevalent Are Long-Term Conditions?
Features of Living With Long-Term Conditions
Barriers to Seeking Support
Applying the Roper Logan Tierney Model Using the Nursing Process
Summary: Key Nursing Issues
Reflection and Learning What Next?
References
31 Nursing the Patient With Cancer
Introduction
Aetiology of Cancer
Medical Intervention and the Nurse's Role
Summary: Key Nursing Issues
Reflection and Learning What Next?
References
Further Reading
Useful Websites
32 Nursing Patients Who Need Palliative Care
Introduction
What Is Palliative Care?
The Palliative Care Approach in Practice
End-of-Life Care
Summary: Key Nursing Issues
Reflection and Learning What Next?
References
Further Reading
Useful Websites
33 Nursing Care for Older People
Introduction
What Happens When We Age?
Working With Older People
Medications and Falls
Summary: Key Nursing Issues
Reflection and Learning What Next?
References
Further Reading
Useful Websites
Glossary
Index