-- Comprehensive coverage of the nursing care of medical-surgical disorders, with the inclusion of sufficient pathophysiology to give students an understanding of the rationales for specific nursing actions-- Exercises and case studies integrated within the chapters enhance students" critical thinking abilities-- Word-building techniques, phonetics, and glossary help students master the terminology of med-surg nursing-- Extensive use of mnemonic devices and other tips aid students in learning and remembering content-- Emphasis on the care of elderly patients-- Sidebar boxes within the body systems chapters on gerontological, pharmacological, nutritional, cultural, home health, and ethical considerations-- Pedagogical tools in each chapter include objectives, list of new terms, case studies, followed by a series of questions requiring the student to understand and apply the chapter content to a "real-world" situation-- Appendices include word-building techniques, list of prefixes and suffixes, abbreviations, and laboratory values