Pediatrics: An Approach to Independent Learning

The third edition of this classic textbook is fully revised and updated to reflect the latest recommendations of the American Academy of Paediatrics. Essential information about the medical care of infants, children and adolescents is presented in a highly readable self-instruction manual for medical students, paediatric nurse practitioners, physician assistants - in short, anyone who is interested in learning more about the care of children and who could benefit from independent study. The chapters present dynamic scenarios illustrating a variety of medical situations involving children, and then take the reader through decision-making processes for diagnosis and treatment: given specific presenting symptoms, what tests should the doctor order, and why?; what should the doctor tell parents, and when and how should the news be delivered?; how can the doctor earn and keep the trust of child and parents?; what considerations go into making a differential diagnosis?; what treatments are recommended for specific diseases and disorders?; what vaccines and treatments are contraindicated for children who are immuno-compromised, who have allergies, or who have other special needs?

Charts, tables and illustrations detailing diagnostic tools, emergency procedures, differential diagnoses, clinical findings - and their proper interpretation - provide a thoroughly clinical grounding for the scenarios. Each chapter concludes with a self-test (and answers), so readers can assess their understanding of the material.