Nursing: A Concept Based Approach to Learning, Volume 3, 5th edition

Published by Pearson (March 4, 2026) © 2027

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  • Pearson+ eTextbook with study tools
  • Instant access once purchased
  • Register with a Course ID, a link from your instructor or an LMS link (Blackboard™, Canvas™, Moodle or D2L®)

Features

  • Interactive digital learning experience
  • Help when and where you need it
  • Instant feedback on assignments
  • Apps and study tools
Products list

Access details

  • Pearson+ eTextbook with study tools
  • Instant access once purchased
  • Register with a Course ID, a link from your instructor or an LMS link (Blackboard™, Canvas™, Moodle or D2L®)

Features

  • Interactive digital learning experience
  • Help when and where you need it
  • Instant feedback on assignments
  • Apps and study tools

Title overview

Nursing: A Concept-Based Approach to Learning is the most complete concept-based learning solution for nursing programs. Covering the lifespan, this three-volume series uses a competency-based model designed to build expertise in the broad principles of nursing practice. As you connect concepts, you’ll also learn the value of clinical reasoning over memorization.

Volume 1 focuses on 21 biophysical concepts, with a focus on normal function, interrelationships and alterations. The 5th Edition introduces the Clinical Judgment Measurement Model and adds new research on maternity care. All content was reviewed and, where needed, revised in collaboration with nursing educators.

Table of contents

VOLUME 1

PART I: BIOPHYSICAL MODULES

Module 1: Acid-Base Balance
  • The Concept of Acid-Base Balance
  • Exemplar 1.A Metabolic Acidosis
  • Exemplar 1.B Metabolic Alkalosis
  • Exemplar 1.C Respiratory Acidosis
  • Exemplar 1.D Respiratory Alkalosis
Module 2: Cellular Regulation
  • The Concept of Cellular Regulation
  • Exemplar 2.A Cancer
  • Exemplar 2.B Anemia
  • Exemplar 2.C Breast Cancer
  • Exemplar 2.D Colorectal Cancer
  • Exemplar 2.E Leukemia
  • Exemplar 2.F Lung Cancer
  • Exemplar 2.G Prostate Cancer
  • Exemplar 2.H Sickle Cell Disease
  • Exemplar 2.I Skin Cancer
Module 3: Comfort
  • The Concept of Comfort
  • Exemplar 3.A Acute and Chronic Pain
  • Exemplar 3.B End-of-Life Care
  • Exemplar 3.C Fatigue
  • Exemplar 3.D Fibromyalgia
  • Exemplar 3.E Sleep-Rest Disorders
Module 4: Digestion
  • The Concept of Digestion
  • Exemplar 4.A Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease
  • Exemplar 4.B Hepatitis
  • Exemplar 4.C Malabsorption Disorders
  • Exemplar 4.D Pancreatitis
  • Exemplar 4.E Pyloric Stenosis
Module 5: Elimination
  • The Concept of Elimination
  • Exemplar 5.A Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia
  • Exemplar 5.B Bladder Incontinence and Retention
  • Exemplar 5.C Bowel Incontinence, Constipation, and Impaction
  • Exemplar 5.D Urinary Calculi
Module 6: Fluids and Electrolytes
  • The Concept of Fluids and Electrolytes
  • Exemplar 6.A Fluid and Electrolyte Imbalance
  • Exemplar 6.B Acute Kidney Injury
  • Exemplar 6.C Chronic Kidney Disease
Module 7: Health, Wellness, and Illness
  • The Concept of Health, Wellness, and Illness
  • Exemplar 7.A Physical Fitness and Exercise
  • Exemplar 7.B Oral Health
  • Exemplar 7.C Normal Sleep-Rest Patterns
Module 8: Immunity
  • The Concept of Immunity
  • Exemplar 8.A HIV/AIDS
  • Exemplar 8.B Hypersensitivity
  • Exemplar 8.C Rheumatoid Arthritis
  • Exemplar 8.D Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
Module 9: Infection
  • The Concept of Infection
  • Exemplar 9.A Cellulitis
  • Exemplar 9.B Conjunctivitis
  • Exemplar 9.C Influenza
  • Exemplar 9.D Otitis Media
  • Exemplar 9.E Pneumonia
  • Exemplar 9.F Sepsis
  • Exemplar 9.G Tuberculosis
  • Exemplar 9.H Urinary Tract Infection
  • Exemplar 9.I COVID-19
Module 10: Inflammation
  • The Concept of Inflammation
  • Exemplar 10.A Appendicitis
  • Exemplar 10.B Gallbladder Disease
  • Exemplar 10.C Inflammatory Bowel Disease
  • Exemplar 10.D Nephritis
  • Exemplar 10.E Peptic Ulcer Disease
Module 11: Intracranial Regulation
  • The Concept of Intracranial Regulation
  • Exemplar 11.A Increased Intracranial Pressure
  • Exemplar 11.B Seizure Disorders
  • Exemplar 11.C Traumatic Brain Injury
Module 12: Metabolism
  • The Concept of Metabolism
  • Exemplar 12.A Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus
  • Exemplar 12.B Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
  • Exemplar 12.C Liver Disease
  • Exemplar 12.D Osteoporosis
  • Exemplar 12.E Thyroid Disease
Module 13: Mobility
  • The Concept of Mobility
  • Exemplar 13.A Back Problems
  • Exemplar 13.B Fractures
  • Exemplar 13.C Hip Fractures
  • Exemplar 13.D Multiple Sclerosis
  • Exemplar 13.E Osteoarthritis
  • Exemplar 13.F Parkinson Disease
  • Exemplar 13.G Spinal Cord Injury
Module 14: Nutrition
  • The Concept of Nutrition
  • Exemplar 14.A Obesity
Module 15: Oxygenation
  • The Concept of Oxygenation
  • Exemplar 15.A Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome
  • Exemplar 15.B Asthma
  • Exemplar 15.C Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
  • Exemplar 15.D Cystic Fibrosis
  • Exemplar 15.E Respiratory Syncytial Virus/Bronchiolitis
  • Exemplar 15.F Sudden Unexpected Infant Death
  • Exemplar 15.G Pneumothorax
Module 16: Perfusion
  • The Concept of Perfusion
  • Exemplar 16.A Cardiomyopathy
  • Exemplar 16.B Congenital Heart Defects
  • Exemplar 16.C Coronary Artery Disease
  • Exemplar 16.D Deep Venous Thrombosis
  • Exemplar 16.E Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation
  • Exemplar 16.F Heart Failure
  • Exemplar 16.G Hypertension
  • Exemplar 16.H Hypertensive Disorders of Pregnancy
  • Exemplar 16.I Life-Threatening Dysrhythmias
  • Exemplar 16.J Peripheral Vascular Disease
  • Exemplar 16.K Pulmonary Embolism
  • Exemplar 16.L Shock
  • Exemplar 16.M Stroke
Module 17: Perioperative Care
  • The Concept of Perioperative Care
Module 18: Sensory Perception
  • The Concept of Sensory Perception
  • Exemplar 18.A Hearing Impairment
  • Exemplar 18.B Diseases of the Eye
  • Exemplar 18.C Eye Injuries
  • Exemplar 18.D Peripheral Neuropathy
  • Exemplar 18.E Ménière Disease
Module 19: Sexuality
  • The Concept of Sexuality
  • Exemplar 19.A Family Planning
  • Exemplar 19.B Menopause
  • Exemplar 19.C Menstrual Disorders
  • Exemplar 19.D Sexual Dysfunctions
  • Exemplar 19.E Sexually Transmitted Infections
Module 20: Thermoregulation
  • The Concept of Thermoregulation
  • Exemplar 20.A Hyperthermia
  • Exemplar 20.B Hypothermia
Module 21: Tissue Integrity
  • The Concept of Tissue Integrity
  • Exemplar 21.A Burns
  • Exemplar 21.B Pressure Injuries
  • Exemplar 21.C Wound Healing

VOLUME 2

PART II: PSYCHOSOCIAL MODULES

Module 22: Addiction
  • The Concept of Addiction
  • Exemplar 22.A Alcohol Use Disorder
  • Exemplar 22.B Nicotine Use Disorder
  • Exemplar 22.C Substance Use Disorder
Module 23: Cognition
  • The Concept of Cognition
  • Exemplar 23.A Alzheimer Disease
  • Exemplar 23.B Delirium
  • Exemplar 23.C Schizophrenia
Module 24: Culture and Diversity
  • The Concept of Culture and Diversity
Module 25: Development
  • The Concept of Development
  • Exemplar 25.A Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder
  • Exemplar 25.B Autism Spectrum Disorder
  • Exemplar 25.C Cerebral Palsy
Module 26: Family
  • The Concept of Family
  • Exemplar 26.A Family Response to Health Alterations
Module 27: Grief and Loss
  • The Concept of Grief and Loss
Module 28: Mood and Affect
  • The Concept of Mood and Affect
  • Exemplar 28.A Depression
  • Exemplar 28.B Bipolar Disorders
  • Exemplar 28.C Peripartum Depression
  • Exemplar 28.D Suicide
Module 29: Self
  • The Concept of Self
  • Exemplar 29.A Feeding and Eating Disorders
  • Exemplar 29.B Personality Disorders
Module 30: Spirituality
  • The Concept of Spirituality
Module 31: Stress and Coping
  • The Concept of Stress and Coping
  • Exemplar 31.A Anxiety Disorders
  • Exemplar 31.B Crisis
  • Exemplar 31.C Obsessive–Compulsive Disorder
Module 32: Trauma
  • The Concept of Trauma
  • Exemplar 32.A Interpersonal Violence
  • Exemplar 32.B Multisystem Trauma
  • Exemplar 32.C Posttraumatic Stress Disorder
  • Exemplar 32.D Sexual Violence

PART III: REPRODUCTION MODULE

Module 33: Reproduction
  • The Concept of Reproduction
  • Exemplar 33.A Antepartum Care
  • Exemplar 33.B Intrapartum Care
  • Exemplar 33.C Postpartum Care
  • Exemplar 33.D Newborn Care
  • Exemplar 33.E Prematurity

PART IV: NURSING DOMAIN

Module 34: Assessment
  • The Concept of Assessment
Module 35: Caring Interventions
  • The Concept of Caring Interventions
Module 36: Clinical Decision Making
  • The Concept of Clinical Decision Making
  • Exemplar 36.A Applying Clinical Judgment to Nursing Practice
  • Exemplar 36.B Prioritizing Care
Module 37: Collaboration
  • The Concept of Collaboration

Module 38: Communication

  • The Concept of Communication
  • Exemplar 38.A Groups and Group Communication
  • Exemplar 38.B Therapeutic Communication
  • Exemplar 38.C Documentation
  • Exemplar 38.D Reporting
Module 39: Managing Care
  • The Concept of Managing Care
  • Exemplar 39.A Case Management
  • Exemplar 39.B Cost-Effective Care
  • Exemplar 39.C Delegation
  • Exemplar 39.D Leadership and Management
Module 40: Professionalism
  • The Concept of Professionalism
  • Exemplar 40.A Commitment to Profession
  • Exemplar 40.B Professional Development
  • Exemplar 40.C Work Ethic
Module 41: Teaching and Learning
  • The Concept of Teaching and Learning
  • Exemplar 41.A Patient/Consumer Education

PART V: HEALTHCARE DOMAIN

Module 42: Accountability
  • The Concept of Accountability
Module 43: Advocacy
  • The Concept of Advocacy
  • Exemplar 43.A Environmental Quality
Module 44: Ethics
  • The Concept of Ethics
  • Exemplar 44.A Ethical Dilemmas
  • Exemplar 44.B Patient Rights
Module 45: Evidence-Based Practice
  • The Concept of Evidence-Based Practice
Module 46: Healthcare Systems
  • The Concept of Healthcare Systems
Module 47: Health Policy
  • The Concept of Health Policy
Module 48: Informatics
  • The Concept of Informatics
  • Exemplar 48.A Clinical Decision Support Systems
  • Exemplar 48.B Individual Information at Point of Care
Module 49: Legal Issues
  • The Concept of Legal Issues
  • Exemplar 49.A Nurse Practice Acts
  • Exemplar 49.B Advance Directives
  • Exemplar 49.C Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act
  • Exemplar 49.D Mandatory Reporting
  • Exemplar 49.E Risk Management
Module 50: Quality Improvement
  • The Concept of Quality Improvement
Module 51: Safety
  • The Concept of Safety
  • Exemplar 51.A Health Promotion and Injury Prevention Across the Lifespan
  • Exemplar 51.B Patient Safety
  • Exemplar 51.C Nurse Safety
  • Exemplar 51.D Medication Safety

VOLUME 3

  1. Introductions & Initial Assessment
    • 1.1 Each and Every Time
    • 1.2 General Survey and Mental Status Assessment
    • 1.3 Assessing Temperature
    • 1.4 Assessing Pulse (Apical and Peripheral)
    • 1.5 Assessing Respirations
    • 1.6 Assessing Blood Pressure
    • 1.7 Assessing Pulse Oximetry
    • 1.8 Height, Weight, and Growth Measurements
    • 1.9 Abuse: Newborn, Infant, Child, Adult, Older Adult
    • 1.10 Pain: Newborn, Infant, Child, Adult, Older Adult
  1. Physical Assessment
    • 2.1 Head and Neck
    • 2.2 Ears and Hearing
    • 2.3 Eyes and Vision
    • 2.4 Nose and Sinuses
    • 2.5 Mouth and Throat
    • 2.6 Cranial Nerves
    • 2.7 Respiratory System
    • 2.8 Cardiovascular System
    • 2.9 Peripheral Vascular System
    • 2.10 Abdomen and Gastrointestinal System
    • 2.11 Genitourinary System
    • 2.12 Integumentary System
    • 2.13 Musculoskeletal System
    • 2.14 Neurologic Function
  1. Safety
    • 3.1 Applying Fall Prevention Strategies
    • 3.2 Applying Seizure Precautions
    • 3.3 Applying Antiembolism Stockings
    • 3.4 Applying Compression Devices
    • 3.5 Applying Restraints and Alternatives
    • 3.6 Workplace Safety
  1. Infection
    • 4.1 Donning and Doffing Personal Protective Equipment
    • 4.2 Establishing a Sterile Field
    • 4.3 Establishing Contact Precautions
    • 4.4 Environmental Safety Considerations for Patients in Isolation
  1. Oxygenation
    • 5.1 Measuring Peak Expiratory Flow
    • 5.2 Using an Incentive Spirometer
    • 5.3 Using Oxygen Delivery Systems
    • 5.4 Using CPAP/BiPAP Systems
    • 5.5 Providing Oral Care (Child, Adult, Able, Unconscious)
    • 5.6 Inserting a Nasopharyngeal Airway (Newborn, Infant, Child, Adult)
    • 5.7 Basic Airway Adjuncts (Newborn, Infant, Child, Adult)
    • 5.8 Inserting an Oropharyngeal Airway
    • 5.9 Performing Endotracheal Tube Care
    • 5.10 Suctioning a Tracheostomy or Endotracheal Tube
    • 5.11 Performing Tracheostomy Care
    • 5.12 Maintaining a Chest Tube
  1. Elimination
    • 6.1 Measuring Intake and Output
    • 6.2 Using a Bladder Scanner
    • 6.3 Assisting with Toileting (bedpan, urinal)
    • 6.4 Caring for the Perineal-Genital Area
    • 6.5 Assisting with a Sitz Bath
    • 6.6 Providing Indwelling Urinary Catheter Care
    • 6.7 Providing Bladder Irrigation
    • 6.8 Applying Urinary External Devices
    • 6.9 Applying Urinary Pouching Systems
    • 6.10 Obtaining Urine Specimens: Routine and 24-Hour
    • 6.11 Obtaining Urine Specimens: Culture & Sensitivity
    • 6.12 Irrigating a Colostomy
    • 6.13 Removing a Fecal Impaction
    • 6.14 Insertion of Nasogastric Tube
    • 6.15 Flushing/Maintaining a Nasogastric Tube
  1. Tissue Integrity
    • 7.1 Assessing Tissue Integrity
    • 7.2 Caring for a Surgical Wound
    • 7.3 Irrigating a Wound
    • 7.4 Changing a Dressing
    • 7.5 Changing a Venous Ulcer Dressing
    • 7.6 Applying an Abdominal Binder
    • 7.7 Obtaining a Wound Drainage Specimen
    • 7.8 Preventing and Caring for Pressure Injuries
    • 7.9 Negative Pressure Wound Therapy
  1. Nutrition
    • 8.1 Assessing Nutrition Status
    • 8.2 Administration of Continuous Feedings: Nasoenteric/Jejunostomy
    • 8.3 Intermittent Tube Feedings: Gastrostomy or Jejunostomy
    • 8.4 Providing Eating Assistance
  1. Medication Administration
    • 9.1 Providing Safe Medication Administration
    • 9.2 Preparing and Administering Medications
    • 9.3 Calculating Dosages
    • 9.4 Administering Subcutaneous Injections
    • 9.5 Administering Intramuscular Injections (with Z-track)
    • 9.6 Administering Intradermal Injections
    • 9.7 Administering Insulin (syringe, pen, or pump)
    • 9.8 Administering Oral Medications
    • 9.9 Administering Sublingual Medications
    • 9.10 Administering Medications via Inhalers
    • 9.11 Administering Medications via Enteral Tubes
    • 9.12 Applying Transdermal Patch Medications
    • 9.13 Applying Topical Medications
    • 9.14 Administering Eye Medications
    • 9.15 Administering Ear Medications
    • 9.16 Administering Intranasal Medications
    • 9.17 Administering Rectal Medications
    • 9.18 Administering Intravaginal Medications
    • 9.19 Administering Enemas and Retention Enemas
    • 9.20 Using a Patient-Controlled Analgesia (PCA) Pump
  1. Fluids & Electrolytes
    • 10.1 Inserting a Peripheral Intravenous Catheter
    • 10.2 Initiating, Maintaining, and Regulating an Infusion
    • 10.3 Managing Infusion Pumps
    • 10.4 Discontinuing Infusions
    • 10.5 Administering Medications (IV Push)
    • 10.6 Administering Medications (Secondary Set)
    • 10.7 Administering Parenteral Nutrition
  1. Perfusion
    • 11.1 Maintaining Centrally-Inserted Venous Access Devices
    • 11.2 Maintaining Peripherally-Inserted Central Catheters
    • 11.3 Maintaining Implanted Venous Ports
    • 11.4 Administering Blood Transfusions
  1. Thermoregulation
    • 12.1 Applying Heat Therapy
    • 12.2 Applying Cold Therapy
    • 12.3 Applying a Cooling Blanket
  1. Mobility
    • 13.1 Using Body Mechanics
    • 13.2 Ambulating a Patient
    • 13.3 Positioning Patient in Bed
    • 13.4 Moving Patient Up in Bed
    • 13.5 Assisting Patient to Side of Bed (Dangling)
    • 13.6 Transferring Patient from Bed to Chair
    • 13.7 Transferring Patient Between Bed and Stretcher
    • 13.8 Logrolling Patient in Bed
    • 13.9 Turning Patient in Bed
    • 13.10 Caring for Patient in Traction
    • 13.11 Performing Initial Cast Care
    • 13.12 Performing Ongoing Cast Care
    • 13.13 Applying an Elastic Bandage
  1. Reproduction
    • 14.1 Assisting with Amniocentesis
    • 14.2 Antepartum Assessment: Maternal and Fetal
    • 14.3 Assisting with Antepartum Pelvic Examination
    • 14.4 Assessing Deep Tendon Reflexes and Clonus
    • 14.5 Assessing Fetal Well-Being: Nonstress Test, and Biophysical Profile
    • 14.6 Administering Rh Immune Globulin Intrapartum Care
    • 14.7 Assisting with Amniotomy (Artificial Rupture of Membranes)
    • 14.8 Assisting with Administering an Epidural
    • 14.9 Monitoring Fetal External Electronic Devices
    • 14.10 Auscultating Fetal Heart Rate
    • 14.11 Placing and Monitoring Fetal Internal Scalp Electrodes
    • 14.12 Induction of Labor with Oxytocin and Other Agents
    • 14.13 Intrapartum Assessment: Maternal and Fetal
    • 14.14 Assisting with Intrapartum Pelvic Examination
    • 14.15 Caring for the Patient with a Prolapsed Cord Postpartum Care
    • 14.16 Assisting with Breastfeeding
    • 14.17 Evaluating Lochia
    • 14.18 Postpartum Assessment: Maternal
    • 14.19 Postpartum Assessment: Perineum
    • 14.20 Assessing Uterine Fundus After Vaginal or Caesarean Birth Newborn Care
    • 14.21 Assessing Apgar Score
    • 14.22 Caring for Circumcision
    • 14.23 Newborn Assessment
    • 14.24 Initial Bathing of Newborn
    • 14.25 Stabilization of Newborn Temperature
    • 14.26 Providing Phototherapy: Newborn, Infant
    • 14.27 Umbilical Cord Clamp
  1. Diagnostic Procedures
    • 15.1 Collecting Sputum Specimens
    • 15.2 Recording a 12-Lead ECG
    • 15.3 Applying and Monitoring a 12-Lead ECG
    • 15.4 Interpreting a 12-Lead ECG
    • 15.5 Preparing for Bedside Procedures

APPENDICES

  • A. Answers to Review Questions
  • B. Guidelines for Laboratory and Diagnostic Assessment

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