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Cardiac Arrhythmias: Practical Notes on Interpretation and Treatment
Book reviews doi:10.1016/S0964-3397(02)00008-3
Cardiac Nursing: A Comprehensive Guide Richard Hatchett and David Thompson (Eds.), Churchill Livingstone, London, 2002
For those of us working within the area of cardiac nursing the wait for a truly comprehensive reference text has been a long one. The arrival of this book is especially timely not just because of the escalating demands on cardiac health care, but also in the light of the requirements of the National Service Framework and the expanding role of the nurse. The book first gives the foundations of cardiac physiology, presenting disease conditions and epidemiology; it then goes on to integrate theory with evidence-based practice across a full range of cardiac nursing environments. Through six substantial sections it builds into a cohesive and revealing interpretation of the state of cardiac nursing in the UK today. The structure of the book is perfectly logical and information can be easily located. The chapter layout and high standard of writing from each of the authors is consistent throughout, and Richard Hatchett and David Thompson are to be commended for editing the text so thoroughly. Experts have been drawn together to share their specialist knowledge, but one is rarely aware of any change in author. There are many illustrations, diagrams and excellent photographs, used to inform the text wherever possible and appropriate. This book is suitable for a wide readership but particularly for post-registration students of cardiology, cardiac surgery, cardiac rehabilitation, clinical assessment, high dependency and intensive care nursing. Openshaw and Durbridge give a concise but enlightening insight into new surgical techniques and concurrent developments in the organisation of care, whilst Sanghani and Filer succinctly explain the cornerstones of the pharmacological management of the cardiac patient. These are just two of the book’s 31 informative and very readable chapters which range from Marfan’s syndrome to transmyocardial revascularisation, many of which contain illustrative case scenarios. Nurses already established in cardiac speciality areas as well as practice educators,
304
Intensive and Critical Care Nursing
(2 0 0 2) 1 8, 3 0 4–3 0 5
will also find the book invaluable, enhancing their own knowledge base and putting it into a wider context. It is a must as a reference text for all coronary care and cardio-thoracic units, and I envisage that it will become a standard recognised text for all cardiac diploma and degree courses. Nicholas Carr doi:10.1016/S0964-3397(02)00067-8
Cardiac Arrhythmias: Practical Notes on Interpretation and Treatment 6th ed. Bennett DH, UK, 2002, ISBN 0-340-80731-8, £ 29.99, pp. 340 This is an in-depth textbook giving a comprehensive insight into the interpretation and treatment of cardiac arrhythmias. It includes chapters on all major arrhythmias, defining them and outlining options for appropriate treatment. The book is designed to fill the gap between those textbooks that cover only the basics of arrhythmias and those that are written for the cardiac electrophysiologist, and does so very well. It mentions in the preface that the book is mainly aimed at junior hospital doctors but says that it should also be of interest to nurses working in intensive care and coronary care units, which I agree is an appropriate target audience. I feel the book would be utilised well as a quick reference book rather than reading it chapter by chapter. The book is written in English with generally well laid out text including an abundance of 3 and 12 lead ECGs with each rhythm, plus a mainstream of useful guidelines to ease interpretation. Also included are many useful diagrams and information is nicely presented in tabular form. Clinical features are also incorporated into most chapters. Later on in the book it devotes a chapter to anti-arrhythmic drugs, their limitations, modes of action and gives concise notes on individual drugs which is useful for the inexperienced practitioner or for the practitioner wishing to update existing knowledge. Towards the latter of the book, Basic Life Support and Advanced Life Support are referred to in diminutive detail but in fairness give good brief guidance. Finally, at the end of the book, there are a multitude of rhythm
© 2002 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.
Book reviews
strips for the user to interpret, with the correct answers following at the end of the chapter. One failure of this text, as with most others is the mentioning of practitioners being aware of patients resuscitation status, which I feel is an important point to be aware of. Overall, it is a useful reference resource for practitioners working in critical care settings and would make a valuable addition to the library of any acute setting. It is good value for money and I would envisage it to be a useful aid to anyone wishing to extend his or her knowledge of cardiac arrhythmias. Andrew J Roche DipHE, RN, ENB100 Critical Care Royal Free Hospital London, UK doi:10.1016/S0964-3397(02)00014-9
The Complete Recovery Room Book, 3rd Edition A. Hatfield and M. Tronson (Eds.), Oxford University Press, Oxford, 2001, 586 pages, Price £32.50, ISBN 0-19-263218-3
This book is aimed at all staff working in the recovery room or delivering post-operative care. It has been substantially revised for the third edition, including a new section on paediatrics, new techniques for limiting cross-infection, prion disease, HIV and latex allergy, and an updated review of drugs used in the recovery room. It would provide an excellent source of information for staff when faced with a clinical problem but with no one at hand to provide appropriate guidance. The stated aim of the book is help the reader to
© 2002 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.
save lives. It is a very practical book for those who are neither fully trained anaesthetists nor specialist recovery staff. The book covers all aspects of the recovery room and complications that could occur in any working day. It is easy to follow; the contents can be used quickly in an unfamiliar clinical problem, operative procedure or in an emergency. The introduction emphasizes that it should not be read at one sitting but as a reference source when advice is required. Each chapter addresses a different topic, supported with clear diagrams and easy to follow instructions. Tables and protocols are provided that are shaded and designed to be photocopied as wall charts—an excellent idea! All aspects of specialist surgery are addressed; hence most recovery/post-operative staff should find the contents meet their needs. There are also chapters on equipment purchasing, safety, designing a recovery room, staff management and crisis management—no new problem in the current climate! I have thoroughly enjoyed reading this excellent book and feel it has plenty of information for all staff who find themselves working in the demanding area of recovery/post-operative nursing. It is a book I would highly recommend for all recovery areas, as it is an ‘encyclopaedia’ of any problem that may arise. It is also a book that should be available in all hospital libraries. Jayne Buckley, RGN Diploma in Professional Studies Obstetric and Gynae Theatres Derriford Hospital, Plymouth PL6 8DH, UK
Intensive and Critical Care Nursing (2 0 0 2) 1 8, 3 0 4–3 0 5 305
Cardiac Nursing: A Comprehensive Guide Richard Hatchett and David Thompson (Eds.), Churchill Livingstone, London, 2002
For those of us working within the area of cardiac nursing the wait for a truly comprehensive reference text has been a long one. The arrival of this book is especially timely not just because of the escalating demands on cardiac health care, but also in the light of the requirements of the National Service Framework and the expanding role of the nurse. The book first gives the foundations of cardiac physiology, presenting disease conditions and epidemiology; it then goes on to integrate theory with evidence-based practice across a full range of cardiac nursing environments. Through six substantial sections it builds into a cohesive and revealing interpretation of the state of cardiac nursing in the UK today. The structure of the book is perfectly logical and information can be easily located. The chapter layout and high standard of writing from each of the authors is consistent throughout, and Richard Hatchett and David Thompson are to be commended for editing the text so thoroughly. Experts have been drawn together to share their specialist knowledge, but one is rarely aware of any change in author. There are many illustrations, diagrams and excellent photographs, used to inform the text wherever possible and appropriate. This book is suitable for a wide readership but particularly for post-registration students of cardiology, cardiac surgery, cardiac rehabilitation, clinical assessment, high dependency and intensive care nursing. Openshaw and Durbridge give a concise but enlightening insight into new surgical techniques and concurrent developments in the organisation of care, whilst Sanghani and Filer succinctly explain the cornerstones of the pharmacological management of the cardiac patient. These are just two of the book’s 31 informative and very readable chapters which range from Marfan’s syndrome to transmyocardial revascularisation, many of which contain illustrative case scenarios. Nurses already established in cardiac speciality areas as well as practice educators,
304
Intensive and Critical Care Nursing
(2 0 0 2) 1 8, 3 0 4–3 0 5
will also find the book invaluable, enhancing their own knowledge base and putting it into a wider context. It is a must as a reference text for all coronary care and cardio-thoracic units, and I envisage that it will become a standard recognised text for all cardiac diploma and degree courses. Nicholas Carr doi:10.1016/S0964-3397(02)00067-8
Cardiac Arrhythmias: Practical Notes on Interpretation and Treatment 6th ed. Bennett DH, UK, 2002, ISBN 0-340-80731-8, £ 29.99, pp. 340 This is an in-depth textbook giving a comprehensive insight into the interpretation and treatment of cardiac arrhythmias. It includes chapters on all major arrhythmias, defining them and outlining options for appropriate treatment. The book is designed to fill the gap between those textbooks that cover only the basics of arrhythmias and those that are written for the cardiac electrophysiologist, and does so very well. It mentions in the preface that the book is mainly aimed at junior hospital doctors but says that it should also be of interest to nurses working in intensive care and coronary care units, which I agree is an appropriate target audience. I feel the book would be utilised well as a quick reference book rather than reading it chapter by chapter. The book is written in English with generally well laid out text including an abundance of 3 and 12 lead ECGs with each rhythm, plus a mainstream of useful guidelines to ease interpretation. Also included are many useful diagrams and information is nicely presented in tabular form. Clinical features are also incorporated into most chapters. Later on in the book it devotes a chapter to anti-arrhythmic drugs, their limitations, modes of action and gives concise notes on individual drugs which is useful for the inexperienced practitioner or for the practitioner wishing to update existing knowledge. Towards the latter of the book, Basic Life Support and Advanced Life Support are referred to in diminutive detail but in fairness give good brief guidance. Finally, at the end of the book, there are a multitude of rhythm
© 2002 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.
Book reviews
strips for the user to interpret, with the correct answers following at the end of the chapter. One failure of this text, as with most others is the mentioning of practitioners being aware of patients resuscitation status, which I feel is an important point to be aware of. Overall, it is a useful reference resource for practitioners working in critical care settings and would make a valuable addition to the library of any acute setting. It is good value for money and I would envisage it to be a useful aid to anyone wishing to extend his or her knowledge of cardiac arrhythmias. Andrew J Roche DipHE, RN, ENB100 Critical Care Royal Free Hospital London, UK doi:10.1016/S0964-3397(02)00014-9
The Complete Recovery Room Book, 3rd Edition A. Hatfield and M. Tronson (Eds.), Oxford University Press, Oxford, 2001, 586 pages, Price £32.50, ISBN 0-19-263218-3
This book is aimed at all staff working in the recovery room or delivering post-operative care. It has been substantially revised for the third edition, including a new section on paediatrics, new techniques for limiting cross-infection, prion disease, HIV and latex allergy, and an updated review of drugs used in the recovery room. It would provide an excellent source of information for staff when faced with a clinical problem but with no one at hand to provide appropriate guidance. The stated aim of the book is help the reader to
© 2002 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.
save lives. It is a very practical book for those who are neither fully trained anaesthetists nor specialist recovery staff. The book covers all aspects of the recovery room and complications that could occur in any working day. It is easy to follow; the contents can be used quickly in an unfamiliar clinical problem, operative procedure or in an emergency. The introduction emphasizes that it should not be read at one sitting but as a reference source when advice is required. Each chapter addresses a different topic, supported with clear diagrams and easy to follow instructions. Tables and protocols are provided that are shaded and designed to be photocopied as wall charts—an excellent idea! All aspects of specialist surgery are addressed; hence most recovery/post-operative staff should find the contents meet their needs. There are also chapters on equipment purchasing, safety, designing a recovery room, staff management and crisis management—no new problem in the current climate! I have thoroughly enjoyed reading this excellent book and feel it has plenty of information for all staff who find themselves working in the demanding area of recovery/post-operative nursing. It is a book I would highly recommend for all recovery areas, as it is an ‘encyclopaedia’ of any problem that may arise. It is also a book that should be available in all hospital libraries. Jayne Buckley, RGN Diploma in Professional Studies Obstetric and Gynae Theatres Derriford Hospital, Plymouth PL6 8DH, UK
Intensive and Critical Care Nursing (2 0 0 2) 1 8, 3 0 4–3 0 5 305