Gerontologic Nursing

Sue E, Meiner is a nurse practitioner in private practice and has taught nursing. Annette G. Lueckenotte is a gerontologic clinical nurse specialist. There are 22 contributing authors. Only one was apparently a contributing author to the last edition. The contributing authors for the previous two editions are listed. There are 31 chapters in 6 parts. The book has extensive coverage of gerontologic nursing, theories of aging, legal and ethical issues, and gerontologic assessment in part 1. Part 2 influences on health and illness covers cultural, family, socioeconomic and environmental influences plus health promotion and illness/disability prevention and health care delivery settings for older adults. Part 3 covers the wellness issues of nutrition, sleep and activity, safety, intimacy and sexuality, and mental health. Part 4, common psychophysiologic stressors, includes pain, infection, chronic illness and rehabilitation, substance abuse, cancer, and loss and end-of-life issues. Part 5, diagnostic studies and pharmacologic management, includes laboratory and diagnostic tests and pharmacologic management. Part 6 is nursing care of physiologic and psychologic disorders regarding cardiovasculsr, respiratory, endocrine, gastrointestinal, musculoskeletal, urinary, cognitiave and neurologic, integumentary, and sensory function. Care of both well and sick older adults and their families and caregivers is included. Content that is traditionally covered in fundamental and medical-surgical courses is not included. Each chapter begins with learning objectives. There are client/family teaching, health promotion, nutrition, research, cultural awareness, and home care boxes throughout the book. Chapters end with a brief summary, key points, critical thinking exercises, and references. Current standards and guidelines are incorporated throughout the book. This book is excellent for teaching undergraduate nursing students gerontologic nursing, medical-surgical nursing or for integrating the content. It is also a good review and reference for practicing nurses.

I found this book to be very useful in the sense that it covers alot of things one would not really think of when caring for the elderly. I think this book would be VERY helpful for the home health care person that cares for the elderly, or a family member of an elder.