Pharmacology for Nurses: A Pathophysiologic Approach, 6th edition
Published by Pearson (April 2, 2019) © 2020
  • Michael P. Adams
  • Norman Holland
  • Carol Quam Urban

Title overview

For courses in pharmacology.

A holistic approach to pharmacology essentials

Pharmacology for Nurses: A Pathophysiologic Approach simplifies pharmacology by linking it to therapeutic goals. Instead of surveying drugs in isolation, the authors place them in the context of body system and disease to draw connections between A&P and drug interventions. Discussion of alternative therapies, as well as cultural and lifespan considerations, help explain certain clinical decisions.

For the 6th Edition, 40 new drugs, drug classes, indications and therapies approved since the last edition have been added. A new feature, Applying Research to Nursing Practice, shows how current medical research is used to improve patient teaching.

Hallmark features of this title

Clear presentation of pharmacology concepts

  • The use of drug prototypes narrows in on the most representative drugs of each classification.
  • Mechanism in Action animations walk students step by step through drug actions and pharmacological effects.
  • Nursing Process Application feature draws connections between pharmacology and key nursing processes.

Self-assessment opportunities

  • A patient-focused case study is accompanied by critical-thinking questions.
  • End-of-chapter review of major concepts gauges student comprehension of chapter material.
  • End-of-chapter NCLEX®-style questions prepare students for success on the NCLEX-RN exam. Alternative format items and complete rationales are included.

New and updated features of this title

Up-to-date drug coverage

  • EXPANDED: 40 new drugs, drug classes, indications and therapies approved since the last edition have been added.
  • UPDATED: Black Box Warnings issued by the FDA have been updated for applicable drug prototypes.

Visual aids

  • UPDATED: Nursing Practice Application charts have been revised to include current applications to clinical practice, while noting lifespan and diversity considerations.
  • UPDATED: Pharmacotherapy Illustrated diagrams, updated in the current edition, help students visualize relationships between pharmacology and patient care.

Practical applications

  • NEW: Applying Research to Nursing Practice shows how current medical research is used to improve patient teaching. Books, journals or websites are cited, with complete references given at the end of chapters.
  • UPDATED: Check Your Understanding questions have been updated throughout drug chapters. They test and reinforce comprehension of material from the new edition.

Key features

Features of MyLab Nursing for the 6th Edition

  • Dynamic Study Modules are adaptive learning modules with remediation. They assess students' performance in real time, while helping them master and retain key concepts.
  • Pearson eText is an easy-to-use digital textbook available within MyLab. It lets students read, highlight and take notes all in one place, even offline.
  • Clinical decision-making case studies hone students' clinical reasoning skills, better preparing them for the situations they'll face in their careers.
  • NCLEX®-style practice questions of various types build student confidence and prepare them for success on the NCLEX-RN® exam.

Table of contents

UNIT 1: CORE CONCEPTS IN PHARMACOLOGY

  1. Introduction to Pharmacology
  2. Drug Approval and Regulation
  3. Principles of Drug Administration
  4. Pharmacokinetics
  5. Pharmacodynamics

UNIT 2: PHARMACOLOGY AND THE NURSE-PATIENT RELATIONSHIP

  1. The Nursing Process in Pharmacology
  2. Medication Errors and Risk Reduction
  3. Drug Administration Throughout the Lifespan
  4. Individual Variations in Drug Response
  5. The Role of Complementary and Alternative Therapies in Pharmacology
  6. Emergency Preparedness and Poisonings

UNIT 3: THE NERVOUS SYSTEM

  1. Cholinergic Drugs Affecting the Autonomic Nervous System
  2. Adrenergic Drugs Affecting the Autonomic Nervous System
  3. Drugs for Anxiety and Insomnia
  4. Drugs for Seizures
  5. Drugs for Emotional, Mood, and Behavioral Disorders
  6. Drugs for Psychoses
  7. Drugs for the Control of Pain
  8. Drugs for Local and General Anesthesia
  9. Drugs for Degenerative Diseases of the Nervous System
  10. Drugs for Neuromuscular Disorders
  11. Substance Abuse

UNIT 4: THE CARDIOVASCULAR AND URINARY SYSTEMS

  1. Drugs for Lipid Disorders
  2. Diuretic Therapy and Drugs for Renal Failure
  3. Drugs for Fluid Balance, Electrolyte, and Acid--Base Disorders
  4. Drugs for Hypertension
  5. Drugs for Heart Failure
  6. Drugs for Angina Pectoris and Myocardial Infarction
  7. Drugs for Shock
  8. Drugs for Dysrhythmias
  9. Drugs for Coagulation Disorders
  10. Drugs for Hematopoietic Disorders

UNIT 5: THE IMMUNE SYSTEM

  1. Drugs for Inflammation and Fever
  2. Drugs for Immune System Modulation
  3. Drugs for Bacterial Infections
  4. Drugs for Fungal, Protozoan, and Helminthic Infections
  5. Drugs for Viral Infections
  6. Drugs for Neoplasia

UNIT 6: THE RESPIRATORY SYSTEM

  1. Drugs for Allergic Rhinitis and the Common Cold
  2. Drugs for Asthma and Other Pulmonary Disorders

UNIT 7: THE GASTROINTESTINAL SYSTEM

  1. Drugs for Peptic Ulcer Disease
  2. Drugs for Bowel Disorders and Other Gastrointestinal Conditions
  3. Drugs for Nutritional Disorders

UNIT 8: THE ENDOCRINE SYSTEM

  1. Drugs for Pituitary, Thyroid, and Adrenal Disorders
  2. Drugs for Diabetes Mellitus
  3. Drugs for Disorders and Conditions of the Female Reproductive System
  4. Drugs for Disorders and Conditions of the Male Reproductive System

UNIT 9: THE INTEGUMENTARY SYSTEM, EYES, AND EARS

  1. Drugs for Bone and Joint Disorders
  2. Drugs for Skin Disorders
  3. Drugs for Eye and Ear Disorders

APPENDICES

  1. Answers
  2. Institute for Safe Medication Practices (ISMP): ISMP's List of Error-Prone Abbreviations, Symbols, and Dose Designations
  3. Institute for Safe Medication Practices (ISMP): ISMP List of High-Alert Medications in Acute Care Settings
  4. Calculating Dosages

Author bios

About our authors

Michael Patrick Adams, PhD, is an accomplished educator, author and national speaker. The National Institute for Staff and Organizational Development in Austin, Texas, named Dr. Adams a Master Teacher. He has published two other textbooks with Pearson Publishing: Core Concepts in Pharmacology and Pharmacology: Connections to Nursing Practice. Dr. Adams obtained his master's degree in pharmacology from Michigan State University and his doctorate in education from the University of South Florida. Dr. Adams was on the faculty of Lansing Community College and St. Petersburg College, and served as Dean of Health Professions at Pasco-Hernando State College for 15 years. He is currently Adjunct Professor of Biological Sciences at Pasco-Hernando State College and Hillsborough Community College.

Leland Norman Holland, Jr. PhD (Norm), over 25 years ago, started out like many scientists, planning for a career in basic science research. He was quickly drawn to the field of teaching in higher medical education, where he has spent most of his career. Among the areas where he has been particularly effective are preparatory programs in nursing, medicine, dentistry, pharmacy and allied health. Dr. Holland is both a professor and supporter in nursing education nationwide. He brings to the profession a depth of knowledge in biology, chemistry and medically related subjects such as microbiology, biological chemistry and pharmacology. Dr. Holland's doctoral degree is in medical pharmacology. He is very much dedicated to the success of students and their preparation for careers in health care. He continues to motivate students in the lifelong pursuit of learning.

Carol Quam Urban, PhD, RN, Associate Professor, is Director of the School of Nursing and Associate Dean for Practice and Strategic Initiatives in the College of Health and Human Services at George Mason University in Fairfax, Virginia. She has been on the faculty at Mason and considers the study of pharmacology to be a course that truly integrates nursing knowledge, skills and interdisciplinary teamwork. She credits her students, past and present, for providing a never-ending source of real-world stories that make learning about pharmacology enjoyable in class. She has also published the Pearson textbook Pharmacology: Connections to Nursing Practice with Dr. Adams.

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