Adult and the Elderly

Reviews / Votes

Nurses inevitably encounter a wide variety of complex human situations which demand that we think long and hard about how we relate to clients as people. Just how would you begin to deal with the client who has just discovered that she has breast cancer, or the elderly homosexual couple who are moving into a nursing home together? This book consists of 50 client profiles with scenarios for the reader to reflect on, followed by a series of questions with model answers. It is fascinating reading and I enjoyed having a go at the questions and comparing my answers with the authors suggestions. I would certainly have found it useful during my own training. The book is aimed at preregistration student nurses, their assessors, nurse educationalists and health care support workers undertaking NVQ level 3. It is a lot to ask for a book to appeal to such a wide range of readers, but it manages to do this and more. It would be particularly useful for those doing NVQs as many of the issues raised relate directly to NVQ units and the student's own answers could be used as evidence for their portfolio. It would also be an excellent tool for revision and continuing personal development towards PREP. The book presents a truly holistic approach to client care. The questions consider a wide range of aspects for each scenario, from straightforward anatomy and physiology, to more complex management issues which require the reader to reflect more deeply on their practice. However, the book does not neglect the basic aspects of personal care. The scenarios could also be used as a starting point for group discussions, which would give students an opportunity to explore their own possible reactions when faced with different situations. I would recommend this excellent book as a teaching aid or revision aid. **Description** "Client Profiles in Nursing" is just that. Short (half-page) case scenarios are presented followed by three questions. Most useful are the answers that follow on the next few pages. **Purpose** The "purpose is to simulate...the kinds of complex human situations which registered...practitioners are likely to encounter...and which will influence assessment and decision making in terms of nursing management." This is a worthwhile project. The client scenarios provide a springboard for discussion. **Audience** "This series of learning aids has been designed for use by pre-registration student nurses, their assessors, nurse educationalists and healthcare support workers..." I agree that nursing students and their educators will find this book very helpful. The British writing style is understandable and only slightly distracting. The authors are well credentialed and have the expertise needed for this project. **Features** Adult and elderly case studies are presented, followed by three discussion type questions, many of which require critical thinking and priority setting. Next the answers are provided, usually a page for each of the three questions. (I prefer this to having to locate them in the back of the book.) Many medical diagnoses are covered. Also included are issues such as "ethics: compliance" and "losing your home." There are no illustrations, but none are needed. Current references are included but some may be difficult to locate in the United States since this is a British publication. **Assessment** I really like this book. The answers are complete and guide thinking in a logical manner. Clinical conferences and classroom discussion will be facilitated by the case studies. This is a great way to explore patient situations where actual clinical experience is not available. Every instructor of adult medical-surgical content will want this b.