Book excerpt: Discusses HOW things happen with concise descriptions of normal physiologic changes in pregnancy, disease processes, and procedures. Explains WHY things happen with special sections highlighting the physiology of pregnancy, the pathophysiology of diseases, and the evidence base for procedures and interventions. Provides prioritized, step-by-step lists of nursing interventions. Promotes patient education by explaining complex health-care information in language patients will understand. Presents verbatim nurse-patient interactions to use as models for your own approach to asking questions and talking with patients. Highlights potentially life-threatening issues and the appropriate interventions with "Alerts" throughout the text. Provides a wealth of valuable tools and resources, including... "Why is this Important," rationales for important topics. "Tips," non-clinical, but important information and suggestions. "Patient Education," tips for helping patients to understand their health status. "Offering Support," compassionate care advice. "Best Practice," advice from expert practitioners. Common mnemonics, tricks to help you remember what to do and when. Die-cut cervical dilation guide for quick reference.