Pathophysiology and Pharmacology in Nursing

Synopsis

Pathophysiology and Pharmacology in Nursing has been carefully designed to provide an integrated introduction to both the biology of disease and the therapeutic agents that are used to manage them. It covers the basics of pharmacology, the core pathological concepts of inflammation, infection and cancer, as well as a systems based consideration of the pathophysiology and relevant pharmacology of common disorders.

New to the second edition:

• All content updated and mapped to the 2018 NMC standards
• Two new chapters on 'Mental health conditions' and 'Renal conditions.

The ideal starting point for student nurses to develop a robust, integrated knowledge of human disease and pharmacology, enabling them to provide care that is based on up-to-date knowledge of this important subject.

Summary

Chapter 1: Introduction to Pathophysiology and Pharmacology

* Pathophysiology: Study of the abnormal physiological processes underlying disease.
* Pharmacology: Study of the effects of drugs on the body.
* Pharmacokinetics: Describes how the body handles drugs (absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion).
* Pharmacodynamics: Describes how drugs interact with the body.

Chapter 2: Fluid and Electrolyte Balance

* The body maintains a balance of fluids, electrolytes, and acids/bases.
* Fluid imbalance: Dehydration (fluid loss) or overhydration (fluid retention).
* Electrolyte imbalance: Excess or deficiency of sodium, potassium, calcium, or magnesium.
* Acid-base imbalance: pH outside the normal range (respiratory or metabolic acidosis/alkalosis).

Example: A patient with severe vomiting and diarrhea may develop dehydration, hypokalemia (low potassium), and metabolic acidosis.

Chapter 3: Acid-Base Balance

* The body regulates pH levels through respiratory (lungs) and metabolic (kidneys) mechanisms.
* Acid-base disorders: Respiratory acidosis or alkalosis, metabolic acidosis or alkalosis.
* Compensation: The body makes changes to counteract acid-base imbalances.

Example: A patient with chronic kidney disease may develop metabolic acidosis, causing tachypnea (rapid breathing) to compensate by exhaling more carbon dioxide.

Chapter 4: Blood

* Blood components: Red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets, and plasma.
* Hematological disorders: Anemia (low red blood cells), leukocytosis (high white blood cells), thrombocytopenia (low platelets).
* Clotting disorders: Hemophilia (bleeding disorder), thrombosis (blood clots).

Example: A patient with sickle cell anemia may experience pain crises due to sickled red blood cells blocking blood flow.

Chapter 5: Cardiovascular System

* Components: Heart, blood vessels, circulation.
* Cardiovascular disorders: Hypertension (high blood pressure), hypotension (low blood pressure), heart failure.
* Pharmacology: Medications to control blood pressure, improve heart function, and prevent blood clots.

Example: A patient with hypertension may be prescribed an ACE inhibitor to lower blood pressure.

Chapter 6: Respiratory System

* Components: Lungs, airways, respiratory muscles.
* Respiratory disorders: Asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), pneumonia.
* Pharmacology: Medications to open airways, reduce inflammation, and prevent bronchospasm.

Example: A patient with asthma may use an inhaler with a beta-agonist to relieve airway narrowing.