A number of clinical experts have contributed to the revised and updated edition of this manual, which contains organized sections about more than 145 health disorders. Each section provides current information related to a disorder, suggested NANDA-approved care plans, flow charts, resources, and suggested readings. The book also contains the newest infection prevention and control guidelines issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

This manual will be a valuable resource for all health care providers, especially student nurses. It is small enough to be stowed in a purse, backpack, or laboratory coat pocket to use for reference during clinical rotations. It also will be a useful resource for writing care plans and research papers.

The information is current and presented in a concise format. Each section begins with the NANDA diagnosis and a suggested nursing care plan. Readers are given a clear direction to assess, plan, and implement patient care. For example, the chapter on perioperative care begins with a diagnosis of patients’ deficient knowledge about the surgical procedure. The expected outcome is that patients will verbalize knowledge about the surgical procedure, including preoperative preparations and sensations and postoperative care and sensations. The instruction continues with assessment and clarification of understanding, acting on necessary patient education and interventions, and discussion of postoperative activities and exercises. Other nursing diagnoses follow the same format.

In any patient care plan, one diagnosis usually is not enough to provide complete, quality care. The references noted at the end of each section refer readers to related health disorders and care plans incorporating holistic care. Some sections give detailed information about web sites and addresses and telephone numbers of organizations that can act as resources and assist with continued research. This book is a valuable reference that belongs in every student nurse’s book bag, health care provider library, and hospital unit.