Before you can master your role in physical therapy, you must first master the basics of patient care! Pierson and Fairchild's Principles & Techniques of Patient Care, 7th Edition provides a solid foundation in the knowledge and skills needed for effective patient care. Clear, step-by-step instructions show how to safely perform common procedures and tasks such as assessment of vital signs, positioning and draping, range of motion exercises, and patient transfer activities. Rationales make it easy to understand why specific techniques are used. Written by physical therapy experts Sheryl Fairchild and Roberta O'Shea, this book includes an enhanced eBook — free with each new print purchase — with video clips demonstrating procedures and techniques.

Key Features

• Content based on the World Health Organization’s ICF model (International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health) — the model currently endorsed by the APTA and AOTA — ensures you are referencing the most current theories and practice guidelines of physical and occupational therapy.
• More than 800 full-color photographs illustrate the concepts and techniques used in the assessment and management of patients in the rehabilitation setting.
• Procedure boxes include clear guidelines for performing each step of patient care tasks such as proper lifting techniques, patient transfers, basic wound care, and assessment of vital signs.
• Insights into physiological principles and rationales explain why specific techniques and procedures are used.
• Guidelines, principles, and precautions boxes offer additional tips for optimal assessment and management of patients in the rehabilitation setting.
• Self-study and problem-solving activities include case studies at the end of each chapter to help you understand important concepts and practice your decision-making and problem-solving skills.
• Coverage of professionalism, professional values, and ethics discusses workplace guidelines and describes how to apply those guidelines to your patient interactions.

New Features

• NEW! Revised content provides the current information you need to be an effective practitioner in physical therapy and occupational therapy, and includes input from clinical experts.
• NEW! Content on COVID-19 includes instructions on donning and doffing PPE, and is aligned with the latest CDC guidelines.
• NEW! Updated patient questions and documentation guidelines on wound care are included.
• NEW! Coverage of preventive patient positioning and objectively assessing patient pain is updated and expanded.
• NEW sections address early mobilization and exercise in the ICU.
• NEW! Enhanced eBook version – included with print purchase – allows you to access all of the text, figures, and references from the book on a variety of devices.
• NEW! Video clips are included in the eBook, demonstrating techniques and procedures.