This handbook serves as a comprehensive clinical reference designed to provide nurses with rapid, accurate access to essential pharmacological data for patient safety and medication administration. The text is compiled by the editorial team at Saunders, leveraging established clinical standards to organize complex drug information into a standardized, accessible format. It functions as a primary resource for identifying drug classifications, dosage ranges, side effects, and nursing considerations in a fast-paced healthcare environment.

The content reflects the standard clinical requirements for nursing practice during the late 1990s, emphasizing the necessity of precise, evidence-based medication management. Its structure suggests a focus on utility and reliability for practitioners who require immediate, verified information at the point of care.