Advanced Physiology and Pathophysiology: Essentials for Clinical Practice

Understand Disease Mechanisms, Apply Knowledge, and Think Like a Clinician.

About This Text

This concise, well-organized text links normal physiology to the pathophysiology of common disorders and shows how mechanisms guide diagnostics and management. Learn why patients present with specific symptoms, how to interpret results, and how to translate science into clinical decisions. Includes case studies, more than 500 images, and end-of-chapter key points.

Enhance understanding and application of content with CourseConnect

CourseConnect is an interactive learning platform that provides focused lessons, practice quizzes, case studies, and progress tracking so you always know what to review next. Print copies include a CourseConnect access code.

What’s New in the Second Edition

• Physiology of pregnancy, labor, and delivery
• Expanded neonatal and pediatric development section
• Cell-free DNA methylation (epigenetics) patterns in oncology
• Expanded fluid and electrolyte balance section
• Enhanced section on the social determinants of health
• Introduction of the exposome concept in human disease
• Updates on biological and psychosocial aspects of sexual development, including LGBTQ+-centered care

Why Students Love This Text

• Clear, concise content connects physiology to pathophysiology and real-life care
• Bridge to Clinical Practice sections help translate concepts to practical patient care.
• Over 500 full-color images illustrate and simplify complex ideas
• Case studies and critical-thinking questions build clinical decision-making skills
• Chapter summaries and key points reinforce learning
• Comprehensive lifespan coverage from pediatric to geriatric care

Get it with CourseConnect: the Smarter Way to Succeed.

Included with your print purchase. CourseConnect is an interactive learning platform that helps you learn faster, study smarter, retain more, and feel confident on exam day. Go beyond the book with tools that help you learn, apply, and assess your progress anywhere, anytime.

• Bite-sized interactive lessons for focused, efficient study
• Applied scenarios that connect concepts to practice
• Quizzes and flashcards with instant feedback
• Personal dashboard to track strengths, gaps, and progress
• Study tools, including notes, bookmarks, and search
• Expert-powered AI assistant offering instant, trusted guidance anytime you need it

Print books include a CourseConnect access code inside the front cover. Continuous Online Access is for the life of the product edition, plus one year.

Linda L. Herrmann, PhD, RN, AGACNP-BC, GNP-BC, ACHPN, FAANP, earned her BSN, MSN, and PhD from the University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing under the mentoring of Neville E. Strumpf, PhD, RN. Dr. Herrmann's clinical and research interests are neuroscience, aging, caregiving, palliative and supportive care and end of life care, use of mixed reality platforms to enhance engagement with clinical content, and health policy related to transitions in care of older adults. She has experience teaching graduate level advanced pathophysiology and pathopharmacology in both in-person and virtual platforms. She is a nationally and internationally recognized expert in neuroscience and aging. She was a John A. Hartford predoctoral scholar, a Faculty Nurse Scholar through the Harford Faculty Scholars Program Policy Leadership Institute in Washington DC, and is an Advisor with the Hartford Institute for Geriatric Nursing and a Fellow of the American Association of Nurse Practitioners.

Nancy C. Tkacs, PhD, RN, received her BSN and MSN degrees from the University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing and her PhD in physiology with a focus in neuroscience from Loyola University of Chicago Graduate School at the Stritch School of Medicine. She completed postdoctoral training in neuroendocrinology in the laboratory of Dr. William F. (Fran) Ganong at University of California San Francisco. Dr. Tkacs conducted preclinical research on neuroendocrine responses to physiological stressors in rodent models, particularly pertaining to the diabetes complication hypoglycemia unawareness. Dr. Tkacs has been teaching pathophysiology for advanced nursing practice for over 25 years, drawing on her knowledge of organ systems physiology and pathophysiology to provide a strong basic science foundation for advanced nursing practice. As a master's-prepared nurse with a doctorate in physiology, she is able to build a bridge between physiology concepts and the pathophysiology of disease. Students learn how findings from the history and physical and diagnostic test results relate to the underlying disease process at the cell and organ level. She taught advanced pathophysiology and neuroscience courses at the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey and the New Jersey Medical School; she taught advanced pathophysiology and pathogenesis of mental health disorders courses at the University of Pennsylvania; and she directed and taught advanced pathophysiology and advanced pharmacology online courses at the University of Southern California. She also served as assistant dean for Diversity and Inclusivity at the University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing.