Introduction to Clinical Pharmacology

Learn the principles of pharmacology and administer drugs safely! Introduction to Clinical Pharmacology, 12th Edition, provides the essential information that LPNs and vocational nurses need to administer medications in all practice settings. It shows how drugs and drug classes work, so you can understand why drugs are given and evaluate the expected response as well as side effects and adverse effects. In each drug category, an overview of the nursing process outlines the nurse's role when administering drugs. This edition includes two new chapters on weight-loss drugs and complementary and integrative therapies. Case studies and questions help you prepare for the newest version of the NCLEX (R) exam. Written by an experienced team of authors led by Dr. Constance G. Visovsky, this book is the only pharmacology text designed specifically for LPN/LVNs.

Ideal scope of content and readability for LPN/LVN programs provides illustrated, need-to-know pharmacology information
Focus on drug categories helps you learn the actions and uses of drug classes and provides a framework for safe, effective practice as new drugs are introduced to the market
Nursing actions with accompanying rationales help you understand why actions or precautions are necessary and how to better communicate directions to patients and their families
Safety Alert boxes and Black Box Warnings highlight important nursing considerations for safe medication administration and monitoring
Lifespan Considerations boxes draw attention to information that is especially important when giving a specific drug to older adults, children, or pregnant/lactating women
Get Ready for the Next Generation NCLEX (R) Examination! section includes key points, review questions, and case studies with critical thinking questions to prepare you for the pharmacology questions on the NCLEX-PN (R) Exam
Top Tips for Safety and Memory Jogger features help you remember key information
Online video clips on medication administration procedures provide you with a visual reference for safe drug administration
Key terms include definitions and page references to help you improve terminology and language skills before you enter clinical practice



NEW! Two new chapters - Drugs for Weight Loss and Complementary and Integrative Therapies - provide the latest content in these rapidly evolving areas
NEW! Look Out! boxes highlight the top three drug adverse effects/reactions for quick reference
NEW! Updated and newly approved pharmaceutical treatments and drugs cover only the drugs and drug categories that apply to the LPN/LVN role