This second edition of the Pharmacology case studies for nurse prescribers has been carefully revised with the most recent research and guidance from NICE, the British National Formulary (BNF), the Royal Pharmaceutical Society (RPS), the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) and the Royal College of Nursing (RCN). It consists of twenty-two chapters, sixteen of these, case studies for common specific patient conditions from angina to neurological disease. There are new chapters on pregnancy and breastfeeding, sexual health and contraception, frailty and effective use of the British nation Formulary (BNF). The latest developments in pharmacology are included in the text.
The book is aimed at students undertaking the non-medical prescribing (NMP) course, however it is a valuable resource to all registered nurses and qualified nurse prescribers. Furthermore, it would be a worthwhile tool for lecturers on the NMP programme and pharmacology modules alike.
Each chapter has case studies, activities and self-assessment questions that link the theory of pharmacology to practice, and a thorough glossary. The answers to all activities are included at the end of each chapter and it challenges and induces reflection by applying theory to real clinical cases. It is a useful tool for experienced prescribers to use to formally reflect and complete CPD hours. Clear links to further sources of learning are provided in each chapter.
The clearly written text is easy to understand, and supported by diagrams and tables where appropriate. The final chapter ‘insights into professional prescribing’ ties in the reflection aspect and the accountability imposed by the RPS framework. The only limitation is highlighted itself within chapter four, when discussing the BNF paperback as the time between creation and publication can render some content out of date. The same applies to some of the information in the book, however, provided the reader remains mindful of this, this is an interesting supplement to the NMP course.
By employing the case study approach, it supports the reader to combine pharmacological theories with clinical practice. Reading this book, and carrying out the numerous self-assessment activities, will give the reader an appreciation of the value of having a sound pharmacological knowledge in order to deliver safe, effective prescribing practice and ultimately improve the quality of patient care.
