Quick Reference to Critical Care » (3rd Edition)

Diepenbrock, Nancy H., RN, CCRN (Zale Lipshy Univ Hospital)

This pocket-sized book is a quick-reference guide to procedures, treatments, and stabilization techniques for disorders, injuries, and patient situations commonly seen in the critical care setting. The first section is organized by body system, with problems of each system alphabetized. The second section contains essential information on drugs, dosing, conversions, calculations, compatibilities, laboratory tests, and more. Cross-references with page numbers enable users to find the information they need quickly, without searching the index. This edition is thoroughly updated and includes a new chapter on imaging techniques.

Mary R. Perrecone

This is a concise and thorough guide, with content divided into chapters by organ system and reference base. A wealth of illustrations and tables are provided to assist in understanding concepts within critical care. According to the author, the purpose is to serve as a ""memory jogger"" when time is crucial, leaving detailed clinical information to an in-depth textbook. These worthy objectives are met. The author indicates this book is published for nurses, residents, and students. I feel that the novice to advanced practice nursing, as well as any healthcare professional in critical care, could benefit from the quick reference information provided. It is difficult to assess the author's credibility, though the title of intensive care staff nurse and national critical care certification enhances the author's authority. The major body systems are covered in Chapters 1 through 7 and topics are organized alphabetically within each chapter. The cardiovascular system chapter is extremely comprehensive. It includes the Allen's test, EKG interpretation parameters, and Swan-Ganz waveforms with algorithms for clinical decision making. The book is presented in an organized, easy-to-use format, with the addition of a host of anagrams, mnemonics, tables, and charts. Three additional chapters on Drugs & Doses, Conversions, Calculations & Compatibility and Lab Values have been included. Special features include extra space to add notes for institution specific protocols or personal reference. This is an essential quick reference that should be at the bedside in every critical care unit. I would highly recommend this reference for all novice critical care nurses as part of theirorientation. A simple, well organized, easy to reference format necessary in the critical care environment is provided.