Orthopedic Nursing Secrets

AORN Journal,  May, 2004  by Kay Smith

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Orthopedic Nursing Secrets Michael E. Zychowicz 2003, 294 pp $34.95 paperback

According to the author, the purpose of this book is "to share pearls of knowledge with nursing students as well as established nurses who provide care to patients with orthopedic disorders." He accomplishes this in an easy-to-understand format. Each chapter starts with a question, which is followed by a clear and concise answer. The information is presented in small pieces. Several questions can relate to the same topic. For example, one chapter starts with the question "What information does computed tomography (CT) provide?" A three sentence answer follows. The next line says "describe the nurse's role in obtaining a CT scan," after which a description is provided. This format continues until all the pertinent information on a topic is presented. This style is advantageous because nurses have different levels of experience, and this format allows them to focus on the information they need to know.

All the contributors to the book are nurses with advanced degrees. The author is an assistant professor in the nursing division at Mt St Mary College, Newburgh, NY, which may explain his straightforward presentation. The content focuses on knowledge nurses need. After defining a test or syndrome, the text provides nursing interventions along with possible complications and interactions.

The chapters are divided into categories, including surgical orthopedics, sports medicine, and orthopedic medications. Care is covered from diagnosis to treatment to rehabilitation. After reading this book, I am interested in reading others in the Nursing Secrets series. If the information is presented in the same format, I am sure they contain beneficial information.

This book would make an excellent addition to any reference library. It would be an ideal reference book for a nurse's station of any size, because it is fairly small, measuring only 6 inches by 9 inches. I would recommend this book for any nurse regardless of his or her experience level. Nurses working in many areas have contact with orthopedic patients and can benefit from the information presented.

This book is available from Hanley & Belfus, Inc, 210 S 13th St, Philadelphia, PA 19107, http://us.elsevierhealth.com.

KAY SMITH

RN, BA, CNOR

SURGICAL ASSISTANT

AP&S BONE & JOINT CENTER

TERRE HAUTE, IND

COPYRIGHT 2004 Association of Operating Room Nurses, Inc.
COPYRIGHT 2004 Gale Group