To the student using this text
A
s you begin your study of pharmacology, don’t be over-
whelmed or confused by all of the details. The study of
drugs fits perfectly into your study of the human body—
anatomy, physiology, chemistry, nutrition, psychology
and sociology.
Approach the study of pharmacology from the per-
spective of putting all of the pieces together; this can be
not only fun, but also challenging! Work to understand
the concepts and all of the details will fall into place and
be easy to remember and apply to the clinical situation.
This understanding will help you in creating the picture
of the whole person as you are learning to provide
comprehensive care. This text is designed to help you
accomplish all of this in a simple and concise manner.
Good luck!
Lisa McKenna and Anecita Gigi Lim
Acknowledgements
F
ocus on Nursing Pharmacology
by Amy Karch
provided the foundation for the development of the
first edition of this text, which was titled
Pharmacol-
ogy for Nursing and Midwifery.
We are grateful to
Amy for the exciting opportunity to further develop her
work in an Australian and New Zealand context in this
second edition. Reflecting the local nature, we have been
mindful in the adaptation of the needs of nursing, mid-
wifery and other professional healthcare students.
Pharmacology knowledge is vital for safe and effec-
tive nursing and midwifery care. This text aims to
provide evidence-based information to support optimal
learning and ease of knowledge application to practice
for students, and ultimately, to promote high levels of
care delivery.
We are grateful to the many reviewers who provided
valuable feedback. We are also incredibly thankful
to Penny Martin and Caroline Hunter from Wolters
Kluwer Health and to the editors at Puddingburn Pub-
lishing Services for their continued encouragement,
support and guidance across all stages of development.
Finally, we are especially grateful to our respective
families, Hayley and Lachlan, and Gerald and Morteza
for their patience and support during the process of
developing this book.
Lisa McKenna and Anecita Gigi Lim
