Nurse prescribers are now practising within every discipline of nursing and midwifery, both in the community and the hospital setting. This much-needed book is aimed particularly at students on a non-medical prescribing (NMP) course as well as those nurses who are studying for their community practitioner non-medical prescribing qualification as part of the specialist practice programme. The book is also a useful resource for nursing students and registered nurses who administer and/or prescribe medicines. 

The authors offer a basic introduction to pharmacological concepts, embedded in specific conditions, through case studies and self-assessment questions. By utilising a case study approach, they enable the reader to link pharmacological concepts with clinical practice. 

Many of the conditions presented will be seen across all healthcare settings. In addition, the comprehensive glossary and list of abbreviations will enable students to understand some of the more technical terms used in the British National Formulary (BNF) and other prescribing sources. 

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 base in order to deliver safe practice, effective prescribing and improved patient care.

Contents include:

Introduction  

How the body affects drugs  

How drugs affect the body

Types of adverse drug reactions and interactions 

Understanding and using the British National Formulary

Adherence

Children

Stable angina

Hypertension

Heart failure

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease 

Neurological problems

Gastrointestinal disorders

Incontinence in adults

Diabetes

Mental health problems

Eye problems

Complex health needs and polypharmacy

Palliative care

The challenges of non-medical prescribing