Roach’s Introductory
Clinical Pharmacology is one in a series of texts Rdesigned to assist beginning
nursing students in acquiring a foundation of basic nursing theory and for
developing clinical skills. Many publishers give you choices of texts offering information
on drug action and activity. Yet, this text is uniquely written by nurses for
nurses in easy-to-read language, not only to teach the novice provider about
the drugs but also to role model how to relay this information to patients.
UNIT STRUCTURE AND
ORGANIZATION
Learners are more successful when they know how to use the text as well as what is in the text. Here are some quick tips on how to use your text more effectively. Thirteen units offer 54 chapters providing information in learnable segments that are not overwhelming to the learner. Organization of the text in this manner allows you to move about the chapters easily when these specific areas of content are covered in your program curriculum.
The text starts with the
basic fundamentals of drug therapy. Then units about infection and pain,
followed by units about drugs related to different body systems. These units
are written in a head-to-toe sequence, making the specific drugs easier to
find.
Learning about drug therapy
is easier when you can connect the information with life-like clinical
experiences. In Chapter 5 you will be introduced to a group of clients in the
clinic setting. Their stories establish for you a context in which to begin
learning about the selected drugs and their real-world application.
BEGINNING OF THE CHAPTER
The chapter opening page is designed to guide you, the learner, in organizing your study routine as you learn the essential elements of drug therapy in each chapter.
Learning Objectives
These define what you will learn in a specific chapter. Review the objectives first to help you understand what you need to learn after reading the chapter.
Key Terms
With accompanying definitions, the Key Terms help you build your vocabulary. Look for bold type in the text at first mention of the word in the chapter to remind you of the definition.
Drug Classes
This gives you a sense of how drugs are grouped according to similar properties. Learning these groupings helps you identify potential errors and safety concerns.
Pharmacology in Practice
Each chapter features a case study individual dealing with an issue related to drugs featured in the chapter. Scenarios focus on assessment, administration, or teaching issues that have an impact on real-life patients. Their stories help you to focus your attention on the concepts important to patient care.
