Nursing Care of the Immunocompromised Patient

This book has been written for the nurse who is caring for an increasing number of patients with health problems associated with immunosuppression.

With advances in technology to control severe immune system problems as well as to suppress immune response as a means of treatment, it is essential that nurses understand the immune function and the effects, risks, and management of immunosuppression.

In a lucid manner, this book explains the functions in the immune system and provides guidance for the care of patients whose immune systems have been compromised.

It provides information on the specific types of immunosuppression including congenital, acquired, those resulting as a side effect of other treatments of illnesses, and cases where immunosuppression itself is a primary treatment.

The book addresses the care of patients with AIDS, transplant patients, patients undergoing radiation therapy, cancer patients, patients with genetic disorders and patients on steroids.

It uses common terms and everyday examples to illustrate concepts.

Case presentations allow the reader to see how concepts are applied in "real-life" situations. Material is presented at a level comprehensible to nurses with limited prior knowledge of immunology.

A comprehensive care plan is contained in Chapter 15, "Nursing Care Plan for the Immunocompromised Patient".