The Biological Basis of Clinical Observations

by William T. Blows

Overview

Fully updated for its fourth edition, The Biological Basis of Clinical Observations provides readers with the understanding needed to perform clinical observations, make accurate judgements about the patient’s condition and make good decisions concerning patient care.

This essential textbook supports safe and effective clinical practice by explaining the techniques involved in making clinical observations, alongside the biological knowledge which gives them meaning. For each topic, it explains the pathological basis for variations in observed results, focusing on relevant anatomy and physiology, genetics and pharmacology, and the basic principles of care. A greatly expanded chapter on pharmacology reflects the increased importance of this subject in the nursing curriculum. Topics discussed include:

• temperature
• cardiovascular observations
• respiratory observations
• urinary and bowel observations
• neurological observations • nutrition
• fluid balance
• skin
• pharmacology
• pregnancy.

The Biological Basis of Clinical Observations is a unique text which integrates explanations of essential procedures with the biological knowledge that underpins practice. It is essential reading for all nursing and healthcare students preparing for clinical practice.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781032484402
Publisher:	Taylor & Francis
Publication date:	12/05/2023
Edition description:	4th ed.
Pages:	374
Sales rank:	644,429
Product dimensions:	6.88(w) x 9.69(h) x (d)

About the Author

William T. Blows was formerly a nurse tutor and lecturer at City University of London, UK where he taught biology to nurses.

Table of Contents

1.Temperature. 2.Cardiovascular observations (I): Pulse and ECG. 3.Cardiovascular observations (II): Blood pressure. 4.Cardiovascular observations (III): Blood tests. 5.Respiratory Observations. 6.Fluid and electrolyte balance. 7.Nutrition. 8.Elimination (I): Urinary observations. 9.Elimination (II): Digestive observations. 10.Skin. 11.Neurological observations (I) Consciousness. 12.Neurological observations (II) Pain. 13.Neurological observations (III) Eyes. 14.Neurological observations (IV) Movement. 15.Pharmacology and drug side effects, interactions and allergies. 16.Physiological changes occurring in pregnancy.

Editorial Reviews

3 Stars from Doody

This book provides the reader with clinical observations along with the biological principles that relate to the observations. Key terms are in bold print throughout the text. The purpose is to integrate clinical observations with the biological principles in order to enhance the meaning of the observation. The objectives of the book relate to the biological model which is often left out of nursing education. The author clearly meets the objectives of the publication. The book is written primarily for nursing students, but it could also be used in the acute care setting. The author cites nursing students, clinical staff, and educators as the audience. I see the audience as nursing students and nurses in clinical practice who may benefit from the review process. Nine chapters cover a wide array of subjects, ranging from temperature, cardiovascular, respiratory, and elimination observations to a more in-depth review of neurological observations. The book has the key terms in bold print. Many illustrations are used in the text to aid in an understanding of the subject matter. Key points are included at the end of each chapter. The cardiovascular chapters are well written and easy for the beginning nurse to understand. This book is helpful for the beginning student and practitioner to relate biological principles to nursing observations. The book is easy to read and contains key points in each chapter. I noticed there are spelling discrepancies with some of the medications that are listed in the book.

Michele Pantle