Book Description

For the practitioner who is looking for a drug handbook that allows easy access to drug comparisons within the same therapeutic classification, this book is a must-have. Organized by drug class, this handbook provides current, comprehensive drug information, as well as illustrations that depict how drugs work at the cellular and tissue level. Every copy also contains a CD-ROM that includes all the information found in the book, allowing the user to access this pertinent information from a PC. Organizes drugs by therapeutic class; each drug class includes an overview with key information about the therapeutic use of drugs within that class and their mechanism of action. Provides practical, relevant nursing care information presented in a concise, practice-oriented framework. Identifies expected and serious side effects by frequency and percentage of occurrence. Includes 2-color illustrations showing how drugs work at the cellular and tissue level. Promotes safe drug administration with special treatment of High-Alert Drugs and relevant content and an appendix devoted to safe drug administration. Includes thorough coverage of geriatric, pediatric, and pregnancy considerations. Alert feature draws immediate attention to the most critical nursing considerations. Monographs for 25 to 40 new drugs recently approved by the FDA. Updated content throughout, including interactions, precautions, alerts, patient teaching instructions, and other need-to-know information to ensure safe drug administration. Special, second-color icon for "High-Alert Drugs" to caution nurses to use extra care in administering drugs most likely to cause harm. Use of a second color for text relating to "high alert" nursing information. New appendixes for drug names that sound alike and look alike; orphan drugs that are used to treat rare, chronic diseases; equianalgesic dosing; and safe drug administration. Quick-reference charts of IV infusion rates for heparin, dopamine, dobutamine, and nitroglycerin.