Introduction To Critical Care Nursing. . - book review

AORN Journal,  Feb, 2002  by Kay Lambert Smith

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INTRODUCTION TO CRITICAL CARE NURSING, third ed By Mary Lou Sole, Marilyn L. Lamborn, Jeanette C. Hartshorn 2001, 830 pp $54.95 hardback

This book contains information essential to nurses caring for critically ill patients. These patients are more ill than ever before. With technology rapidly changing, it is difficult for nurses to stay abreast of changes. This book provides basic information about critical care nursing and would be valuable to nurses new to this specialty and to undergraduate nursing students.

The book comprises three sections. The first section is fundamental concepts, and it introduces readers to critical care nursing. Psychosocial concepts related to patients, family members, and nurses are presented and discussed. Legal and ethical issues also are addressed. The second section, tools for the critical care nurse, reviews dysrhythmia recognition, hemodynamic monitoring, airway management, and mechanical ventilation. Management of life-threatening emergencies is discussed as well. The third section, nursing care during critical illness, uses the nursing process as the framework for the information presented. Nursing care plans addressing problems common to critically ill patients are provided.

This is the third edition of this book, so some changes have been made. These include the addition of clinical alerts that address particular areas of concern in a given setting. Laboratory alerts give details about specific tests performed and the results expected. Geriatric considerations include altering care for the older adult population. Also, case studies with questions can be found at the end of each chapter and apply to the chapter content. Internet resources are provided as well. A new chapter on trauma has been added.

Learning objectives are provided at the beginning of each chapter. The authors use many tables and graphs to highlight data. Nursing diagnoses and interventions are listed. Research applications are presented along with implications for nursing practice.

Both authors have 25 years of nursing experience. They hold advanced degrees and serve as professors or associate professors of nursing in the academic setting. They also have served in leadership roles in critical care nursing. This book covers all aspects of critical care nursing. It would be helpful to nursing students or new graduates. It also would serve as a review for nurses not involved continually with critically ill patients.

This book is available from W B Saunders Co, 11830 Westline Industrial Dr, St Louis, MO 63146-3318; http://www .wbsaunders.com.

KAY LAMBERT SMITH
RN, CNOR
CUNTON, IND

COPYRIGHT 2002 Association of Operating Room Nurses, Inc.
COPYRIGHT 2002 Gale Group