Essentials of Gerontological Nursing / Edition 1

by Meredith Wallace Kazer PhD, APRN, A/GNP-BC

Overview

Essentials of Gerontological Nursing presents the best practices needed to care for older adults. Its brief, yet comprehensive, grasp of issues in elder care is a refreshing addition to the current literature, which is more commonly focused on theory than on clinical practice. Designed primarily for students in gerontological nursing courses in BSN and graduate programs, the book provides:

• Essential clinical information and "best practices" needed to care for older adults
• Current research and new patient approaches in gerontological nursing
• Overviews of rarely discussed issues, such as elder abuse, cultural considerations, and restraint alternatives
• Clinical specifications and practical applications
• Content designed to fit into a one-semester course
Essentials of Gerontological Nursing is everything the nursing student needs to know when caring for older adults.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780826120526
Publisher:	Springer Publishing Company
Publication date:	10/22/2007
Edition description:	New Edition
Pages:	352
Product dimensions:	6.30(w) x 9.00(h) x 0.69(d)

About the Author

Meredith Wallace Kazer, PhD, APRN, A/GNP-BC, is Associate Professor, Fairfield University, School of Nursing.

Table of Contents

Preface
Acknowledgments
• The Graying of America
Issues of Aging
Medical Concerns
Ageism - Facts and Myths of Aging
Ethnogeriatrics and Health Care
Gerontological Nursing
Theories of Aging
Summary
• The Health Care Delivery System
Retirement
Challenges Within the Current Health Care Delivery System
Financing Health Care
Payment Options for Older Adults Without Resources for Health Care
Resources for Health Care
Summary
• Normal Changes of Aging
Cardiovascular System
Respiratory System
Integumentary System
Gastrointestinal System
Urinary System
Musculoskeletal System
Sexuality/Reproductive System
Changes in the Senses
Neurological Changes
Summary
• Assessing Older Adults
Systematic Geriatric Assessment
Health History
Reminiscence & Life Review
Physical Assessment
Critical components of a Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment
Summary
• Health Promotion
Primary Prevention
Secondary Prevention
Summary
• Pathological Disease Processes in Older Adults
Musculoskeletal Disorders
Cardiovascular & Respiratory Disorders
Diabetes Mellitus
Infectious Diseases
Cancer
Parkinson's Disease
Summary
• Medication Usage
Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics
Medication Interactions
Generic Medications
Inappropriate Medications
Medication Adherence
Over-the-Counter and Illegally-Obtained Narcotics and Herbal Medications
Summary
• Cognitive and Psychological Issues in Aging
Delirium
Depression
Dementia
Summary
• Ethical Issues of Aging and Independence
Ethical Principles
Driving
Sexuality in Older Adults
Gambling
Summary
• Quality of Life Issues Among Older Adults
Quality of Life (QOL)
Elder Mistreatment
Pain
Grandparenting
Spirituality
Summary
• Environments of Care
Home Care
Acute Care
Skilled Nursing Facilities
Assisted Living
Continuing Care Retirement Communities
Homeless Older Adults
Summary
• End-of-Life Care
Advance Directives
Financial Planning for End of Life
Dimensions of End-of-Life Care
Communication
Grieving
Widowhood
Hospice Care
Summary
• Future Trends & Needs
America Continues to Gray
Changes in the Health Care Delivery System
Ethical, Legal, and Financial Issues Related to Older Adults
Normal Changes of Aging
Wellness, Health Promotion, and Health Education
Medication Management
Geriatric Assessment
Advances in Acute and Chronic Disease Management
Special Issues of Aging
Psychological and Cognitive Issues in Aging
Environments of Care
Spirituality and End-of-Life Care
Conclusion
Web Resources

Editorial Reviews

Reviewer: Lori L. Popejoy, PhD, APRN, BC (University of Missouri)
Description: The book offers a brief overview of issues related to aging, from theory or ideas about aging to end-of-life care.
Purpose: The purpose is to provide current evidence about geriatric nursing to practicing nurses. The book has no illustrations, and dense text with few useful tables. I found it difficult to use for the stated purpose.
Audience: It is written for practicing generalist nurses. Some of the chapters, such as the one on Medicare, are quite good, but overall, the organization of the book makes it difficult to use as a reference.
Features: The book covers a wide range of topics, including demographics of aging, the impact of healthcare policy on older adults, normal aging, pathology in aging, and ethical issues of aging. Other books cover the same topics more thoroughly and in a more user-friendly format.
Assessment: This book has limited utility for use in the practice setting. It may be useful for nurses who desire to teach themselves more about gerontological nursing, and are looking for book that is not so packed with information.

Doody's Review Service

Reviewer: Lori L. Popejoy, PhD, APRN, BC(University of Missouri-Columbia)
Description: The book offers a brief overview of issues related to aging, from theory or ideas about aging to end-of-life care.
Purpose: The purpose is to provide current evidence about geriatric nursing to practicing nurses. The book has no illustrations, and dense text with few useful tables. I found it difficult to use for the stated purpose.
Audience: It is written for practicing generalist nurses. Some of the chapters, such as the one on Medicare, are quite good, but overall, the organization of the book makes it difficult to use as a reference.
Features: The book covers a wide range of topics, including demographics of aging, the impact of healthcare policy on older adults, normal aging, pathology in aging, and ethical issues of aging. Other books cover the same topics more thoroughly and in a more user-friendly format.
Assessment: This book has limited utility for use in the practice setting. It may be useful for nurses who desire to teach themselves more about gerontological nursing, and are looking for book that is not so packed with information.