Author Description

Designed for advanced practice nurses and advanced practice nursing students, as well as Physician's Assistant students and practitioners, this 4th Edition, is a practical resource that takes you to the "next step" of health assessment, beyond basic history and physical examination and through the diagnostic reasoning process. Accessible and concise, it approaches physical examination by focusing on a specific chief complaint rather than a diagnosis of a disease entity. Each chapter is organized into four major areas: Focused History; Focused Physical Examination; Laboratory and Diagnostic Studies; and Differential Diagnosis. Those who master the diagnostic reasoning process in this text will be able to accurately diagnose the majority of conditions they will see in clinical practice. Reordered table of contents, organized alphabetically by patient problem rather than by body system, simplifies and accelerates information retrieval. A list of chapters by body system is also included for reference. Additional Evidence-Based Practice boxes provide additional research-based tips on conducting the most effective exams for more accurate diagnoses.