This fundamental text provides basic concepts and skills in a balanced presentation. New features to this edition include: new artwork - accents key nursing concepts and skills; key terms - familiarize student with essential terminology; learning objectives - set goals and highlight important material; focus on older adults - prepares students to adapt care to meet the needs of the elderly; nursing guidelines - present nursing actions and their rationale on a variety of topics; patient teaching - guides students to prepare patients for self care or health maintenance; key concepts - highlight the most essential material for a strong base of knowledge; and critical thinking exercises - help students apply nursing concepts and theory. An instructor's manual is also included.