Provides the theoretical base needed for application of the nursing process at a beginning level. Focus is on the care of the adult medical-surgical client care consumer with less complicated disorders, in a variety of health care settings. Concepts and rationales related to fundamental nursing practice are stressed. Principles of safety, physical and psychosocial assessment, effective and therapeutic communication, pharmacology, nutrition, the business of health care, community health, issues of professional practice, health teaching, diversity among US cultural groups, growth and development, geriatric nursing, disease process, disease prevention, restorative care, and end-of-life care are integrated.