This essential text presents and explains every aspect of clinical decision making, providing a sound base of knowledge for confidence and accuracy. Its format incorporates principles of problem-based learning methods that are used in many nursing programs. The revised Second Edition contains 20 new case studies of the most common diseases and disorders encountered in family practice; each includes a review of all the information necessary for developing a plan of care and emphasizes differential diagnosis and clinical reasoning for the nurse practitioner. The text's problem-oriented format promotes and strengthens critical thinking skills. Additional features include: tutorials; holistic health considerations; case accuracy; laboratory tests that require learners to interpret tests and their impact on a patient's condition; interdisciplinary collaboration; decision trees that are applicable to each case; research-based outcomes; complementary therapies; and much more.