deWit's Fundamental Concepts and Skills for Nursing

previously published as 4th edition in 2013
includes index

includes bibliographic references and index on (p.882-920)

Unit I: Introduction to Nursing and the Health Care System

History and trends in nursing, health/illness concepts, health care delivery systems, roles of nurses, and professional/legal/ethical foundations.

Unit II: The Nursing Process

Assessment, nursing diagnosis, planning, implementation, and evaluation with a focus on critical thinking and documentation.

Unit III: Communication in Nursing

Nurse–patient relationship, therapeutic communication, patient teaching, documentation, leadership, and management.

Unit IV: Developmental, Psychosocial, and Cultural Aspects

Growth and development across the lifespan, cultural awareness, psychosocial concepts, and spiritual care.

Unit V: Basic Nursing Skills

Infection control, asepsis, hygiene, vital signs, safety, mobility, comfort, and pain management.

Unit VI: Meeting Physiologic Needs

Nutrition, elimination, fluid/electrolyte balance, oxygenation, sleep, rest, and sensory perception.

Unit VII: Medication Administration

Principles of pharmacology, safe medication administration, dosage calculations, and documentation of medications.

Unit VIII: Surgical and Immobility Care

Preoperative and postoperative care, wound care, skin integrity, and management of immobility complications.

Unit IX: Care of the Elderly

Aging process, chronic health conditions, psychosocial considerations, and nursing interventions for older adults.

Appendices

Quick-reference tools such as normal lab values, NANDA-approved nursing diagnoses, and additional resources.

This textbook introduces the core concepts and fundamental skills of nursing practice, emphasizing the nursing process, critical thinking, patient communication, cultural awareness, and basic clinical skills. It provides step-by-step guidance on essential procedures, safe medication administration, and care across the lifespan, with special focus on surgical, immobile, and elderly patients. Designed for entry-level nursing students, it combines evidence-based practice, patient-centered care, and practical skill application.