Nursing Diagnosis Handbook; An Evidence Based Guide to Planning Care (12th Edition)

Specifications

Book Description

**”Nursing Diagnosis Handbook: An Evidence-Based Guide to Planning Care” (12th Edition)** by Betty J. Ackley and Gail B. Ludwig is an essential resource for nursing students and professionals, providing comprehensive guidance on nursing diagnoses and care planning. The handbook integrates evidence-based practice with practical tools for creating individualized patient care plans, making it a trusted reference for nurses at all levels.

### **Key Features and Content Overview:**

#### **1. Comprehensive Nursing Diagnoses**
– **Updated NANDA-I Diagnoses:** The book includes the most recent NANDA International (NANDA-I) nursing diagnoses, offering up-to-date information on over 235 diagnoses that reflect current clinical practices.
– **Detailed Descriptions:** Each diagnosis is explained with definitions, related factors, risk factors, defining characteristics, and diagnostic criteria, helping nurses accurately assess patient conditions.

#### **2. Evidence-Based Care Planning**
– **Integration of Evidence:** The handbook emphasizes evidence-based practice, incorporating the latest clinical guidelines, research, and best practices to ensure that care plans are grounded in scientific evidence.
– **Care Plan Development:** It provides step-by-step guidance on creating effective, individualized care plans, from assessment through evaluation, helping nurses design care tailored to patient needs.

#### **3. Focus on Patient-Centered Care**
– **Holistic Approach:** The book promotes a holistic approach to nursing care, addressing not only physical symptoms but also psychological, social, and spiritual aspects of patient health.
– **Patient and Family Involvement:** It encourages involving patients and their families in the care planning process, fostering collaborative and compassionate care.

#### **4. Health Promotion and Risk Prevention**
– **Preventive Care:** The text includes nursing diagnoses related to health promotion and disease prevention, offering strategies for proactive care in addition to addressing acute and chronic health issues.
– **Health Education:** Nurses are provided with tools and interventions for patient education, ensuring patients are informed and active participants in managing their health.

#### **5. Practical and Accessible Tools**
– **Care Prioritization:** The handbook helps nurses prioritize diagnoses and interventions based on the severity of patient conditions and the urgency of care needed.
– **Interventions and Rationales:** It provides a wide range of nursing interventions along with rationales that explain the reasoning behind each action, enhancing clinical decision-making.

#### **6. Special Considerations for Diverse Patient Populations**
– **Diverse Patient Needs:** The handbook addresses nursing care for diverse populations, including specific considerations for age groups, cultural backgrounds, and varying health conditions.
– **Cultural Competency:** It emphasizes culturally competent care, providing guidance on adapting care plans to meet the cultural, linguistic, and personal preferences of patients.

#### **7. Easy Navigation and Quick Reference**
– **Alphabetical Listing:** Diagnoses are organized alphabetically for quick reference, making it easy for nurses to find the information they need in clinical settings.
– **Index of Symptoms:** The handbook includes an index of symptoms that helps nurses quickly match patient symptoms with relevant diagnoses.

### **Conclusion**
**”Nursing Diagnosis Handbook: An Evidence-Based Guide to Planning Care” (12th Edition)** by Betty J. Ackley and Gail B. Ludwig is a vital tool for nursing students and practitioners. Its integration of evidence-based guidelines, detailed nursing diagnoses, and a patient-centered approach ensures that nurses can develop effective, individualized care plans. The handbook’s practical design and comprehensive content make it an invaluable resource for delivering high-quality patient care.