Delays in recognising deterioration or inappropriate management of people in acute care settings can result in late treatment, avoidable admissions to intensive care units and in some instances unnecessary deaths. As the role of the nurse in healthcare settings continues to change and evolve, todays student nurses need to be equipped with the fundamental skills to recognise and manage deterioration in the patient in a competent and confident manner, as they learn to become practitioners of the future.

Using a body systems approach and emphasising the central role and function of the nurse throughout, this book provides a comprehensive overview of the essential issues in this important subject. Topics covered include: recognition and identification of physiological deterioration in adults; identification of disordered physiology that may lead to a medical emergency linked to deterioration of normal function; relevant anatomy and physiology; pathophysiological changes and actions that need to be taken; immediate recognition and response; investigations, diagnosis and management issues; and teaching and preventative strategies.

Chapter 1 Assessment and recognition of emergencies in acute care, Helen Dutton; Chapter 2 Vulnerability in the acutely ill patient, Ian Peate; Chapter 3 The cell and tissues, John Mears; Chapter 4 Body fluids and electrolytes, Liz Allibone; Chapter 5 The patient with acute respiratory problems, Carl Margereson, Sarah Withey; Chapter 6 The patient with acute cardiovascular problems, Helen Dutton, Sharon Elliott, Andrew Sargent; Chapter 7 Recognition and management of cardiopulmonary arrest, Sharon Elliott; Chapter 8 The patient with acute renal problems, Jacqui Finch; Chapter 9 The patient with acute neurological problems, Katie Scales; Chapter 10 The patient with acute gastrointestinal problems, Julian Howard, Angela Morgan; Chapter 11 The patient with acute endocrine problems, Angela Morgan, Julian Howard, Margaret Kirkby; Chapter 12 The immune and lymphatic systems, infection and sepsis, Andrea Blay, Jacqui Finch, Helen Dutton; Chapter 13 The safe transfer of acutely ill patients, Jacqui Finch;