The assessment and management of patients who are critically or acutely ill, or showing signs of clinical deterioration, is a crucial nursing skill. This book will help adult nursing students to competently manage care of critically and acutely ill patients, and to recognise and deal with the early signs of deterioration. The book takes a practical real-life approach to care, with each chapter focussing on patients with specific problems, then interweaving the knowledge and skills needed to care for that patient, including the nurse's role and responsibilities, assessment, diagnosis, planning, management, related pathophysiology and collaborative team working.