An understanding of medicines and their effects on patients remains a crucial area of nursing knowledge. This book provides a thorough foundation upon which nurses can build their clinical experience to achieve competence. It not only provides information on the actions of drugs on the body but also gives clear guidance on the practical aspects of medicines management in both hospital and community. Organisation of the text broadly follows the British National Formulary for ease of use. This unique approach of combining clinical pharmacology, medicines management and the provision of practice advice will be invaluable to pre-registration students at both degree and diploma level as well as registered nurses in practice and nurses returning to practice after a career break. Management of medicines linked to their therapeutic use Medicine administration linked with relevant care of patients where possible Basic principles of clinical pharmacology underpin the therapeutic chapters A chapter on the role of patients and carers is included All content revised in the light of changes in drug therapy, clinical practice and medicines management including nurse prescribing Key objectives for each chapter Self-assessment exercises with answers More detail relating to palliative care; nurse prescribing A new section on Intensive Therapy Totally redesigned in two colours with improved design and page layout, and better illustrations