Part of the popular LPN Threads series, Introduction to Maternity & Pediatric Nursing provides a solid foundation in obstetrics and pediatric nursing. An easy-to-follow organization by developmental stages, discussion of disorders by body system from simple-to-complex and health-to-illness, and a focus on family health make it a complete guide to caring for maternity and pediatric patients. Written in a clear, concise style by Gloria Leifer, MA, RN, this edition reflects the current NCLEX test plan with additional material on safety, health promotion, nutrition, and related psychosocial care.

-Cultural Considerations boxes and a Cultural Assessment Data Collection Tool help in developing individualized plans of care.

-Updated health promotion content includes Health Promotion boxes focusing on preventive strategies for achieving prenatal wellness, health during pregnancy, postnatal health, and pediatric illness prevention and wellness -- including the complete immunization schedules for all ages.

-Nursing Tips provide information applying to the clinical setting.

-Objectives are listed in each chapter opener.

-Key terms include phonetic pronunciations and text page references at the beginning of each chapter.

-Nursing Care Plans with critical thinking questions help you understand how a care plan is developed, how to evaluate care of a patient, and how to apply critical thinking skills.

-A companion Evolve website includes animations, videos, answers to review questions and answer guidelines for critical thinking questions, an English/Spanish audio glossary, critical thinking case studies, and additional review questions for the NCLEX examination.

-Get Ready for the NCLEX®Examination! sections at the end of each chapter help you prepare for classroom tests and the NCLEX examination.

-Increased focus on safety helps you prepare for safe nursing practice, with:

--Safety Alert! boxes based on The Joint Commission's 2009/2010 National Patient Safety Goals

--Medication Safety Alert! boxes highlighting serious and potentially fatal medication errors in infants and children

--New information on determining pediatric dosages and a discussion of the Pedislide system

-New skills include step-by-step instructions for:

--Bathing the Newborn

--Assessing the Length and Height of Infants and Children

--Calculating BMI

--Removal of a Peripheral Intravenous Catheter

--Using the Peak Flowmeter

--Using a Metered-Dose Inhaler

-Updated, vibrant full-color design highlights key information and enhances your understanding of important concepts.

-Updated nutrition content compares commercially available infant formulas and discusses organic, natural, and dietetic foods.

-Nutrition Considerations boxes cover prenatal care, nutritional issues during infancy, and the crisis in childhood obesity.

-Memory Jogger boxes help you remember important material with mnemonics, tips, and tricks.

-An updated glossary is available in the textbook, as well as on the companion Evolve website.