Author Q&A: Applying Pathophysiological Concepts for the NCLEX-RN

Q: What is unique about this book?

A: I think that this is one of the only books in this genre that addresses and includes different genders, different types relationships, pronouns, social determinants of health and equity, race-based medicine, and climate change in the context of Pathophysiology and the study of disease. I try to normalize these concepts. Pathophysiology is the perfect vehicle to talk about these concepts and it is perfect timing, as the class is at the start of students’ nursing careers! It provides another layer on top of the knowledge of disease, a layer that will help them interact with patients, families, and their healthcare teams. I think this book makes Pathophysiology content much more accessible.

Q: How is this book different from books already addressing the same subject?

A: Pathophysiology is the subject that I hear most students are afraid of and struggle with. I think that’s often because it’s presented a collection of facts to be memorized. In the book, I try to offer different study techniques, questions, and, case studies to help students synthesize information- to figure out symptoms from the pathophysiology instead of memorizing them and to make sense of how disease affects the body and how systems work together to react to disease. I always tell my students, “The body makes sense! Use your logic!” Having the full picture of a disease and how the body works helps them immensely on NCLEX and in their nursing careers. I’ve had testimonials from so many students, who come back and tell me how much my Pathophysiology class has helped and continues to help them as an RN. This is my class as a book!

Q: Who would primarily benefit from reading this book? Who else might be interested in the content?

A: Anyone in the healthcare field! This book was primarily geared towards nursing students, but I think that practicing RNs (especially those looking to advance to NPs or educators), MSN students, nurse educators, physician assistant students, physical therapy students, really anyone in healthcare can benefit from this. Educators in the healthcare field can benefit from this as well, as a guide to creating content.

Q: What are some of the best features of this book?

A: I start with advice about how to look at and study Pathophysiology. I use techniqeus that my students use and have suggested. I also try to highlight examples of race-based medicine, climate change effects, trans-health issues, etc. The case studies are meant to help students apply and critically think through real-life situations. I wrote the case studies with diverse characters, as I believe that all students should be able to see themselves in the content. Finally, I think the illustrations are terrific! The editors did a great job incorporating those. I love the illustrations on the front and back cover. The characters give a more human, accessible feel to the content.

Q: What are the top 3 things you would like readers to take away from the book?

A:

1. I believe that you can succeed and love Pathophysiology as much as I do! It’s all in the approach and the synthesis of material.

2. Pathophysiology is so interesting! It is the foundation for every class you have moving forward and the basis for every student you treat as a clinician. It really is the “why” behind everything you do.

3. It’s important to be able to see diverse viewpoints in healthcare. Hopefully, this book challenges you to think about these viewpoints.