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Emergency cardiology: An evidence-based guide to acute cardiac problems
Accident and Emergency Nursing (2004) 12, 122–126
Accident and Emergency Nursing www.elsevierhealth.com/journals/aaen
BOOK REVIEWS Handbook of emergency department procedures (2nd edn) John Bache, Carolyn Armitt, Cathy Gadd (eds), Mosby 2003, ISBN 07234 3322 4, £24.99 PBK This useful little book is in its second edition and has been revised, updated and turned into a handy pocket sized book (with a durable plastic cover) making it ideal for A&E use! Ninety-five common A&E procedures are well illustrated and crammed into its 164 pages. Written by an A&E consultant and two nurse practitioners, this book is useful for both emergency nurses and junior medical staff. It has everything from how to apply a broad arm sling to how to undertake a pericardiocentesis. Whilst the authors describe the book as the clinical equivalent of a book of recipes, it wouldn’t be a good idea to undertake many of the procedures described in the book without a bit of training and some practice first. It is, however, ideal for a quick
reminder of what materials are required and a stepby-step guide of how to undertake each procedure. Nurses and doctors new to A&E are likely to really appreciate this book. However, all readers need to bear in mind that where their local materials differ to those shown in the book, there may be some differences in application or use, and they would be wise to consult manufacturers’ instructions. In summary, this is a useful wee book to keep in the department or your pocket. However, do scribble in the margin any important local variations and avoid new recipes unless you’ve had the chance to practice first. Mark A. Cooper BG, RGN ENP Course Co-ordinator PhD Student University of Glasgow Accident & Emergency Glasgow Royal Infirmary Glasgow, UK
doi:10.1016/S0965-2302(03)00065-1
Emergency cardiology: An evidence-based guide to acute cardiac problems Azad Ghuran, Neal Uren and James Nolan (eds), Arnold 2003, ISBN 0 340 80719 9, £16.99 PBK On picking up this small volume, my first thought was of its weight. On flicking through it, it is clearly a detailed text, but it is made more visually pleasing by usefully being interspersed with text boxes, ECG tracings and selected diagrams. Overall, Emergency Cardiology is a detailed and thorough resource, useful both for quick reference, but also for detailed exploration of the fascinating and complex world of acute cardiac problems. Most if not all chapters have something useful to say to emergency nurses. The first chapter on myocardial infarction is particularly thorough and helpful, including thrombolysis. The main principles of resuscitation are covered in the third chapter. The content here appears to emphasise
enduring features of cardio-pulmonary resuscitation, rather than emphasising the changing features of the ‘latest guidance’, and this will only serve to prolong the book’s relevance. Chapter subjects are clearly identified, with each focusing on a specific common cardiac emergency. Each chapter opens with a detailed contents page and this aids the book’s use for quick retrieval of key facts. Otherwise, the chapters have a broadly common structure and this facilitates a logical and detailed exploration of the given topic. Chapters broadly commence with a helpful overview of the condition, including epidemiological data and patho-physiological issues. The content throughout assumes minimal understanding of the subject before progressing to detailed discussion. Each chapter closes by identifying key points and providing a key reading list, the latter is generally detailed, although is surprisingly thin in a couple of instances.
Book reviews I would like to have seen some reference to current policy issues driving practice, including the national service framework, and their implication for service delivery. However, first and foremost this is a book focussed on identifying excellent clinical practice, and in that it certainly succeeds.
123 Alastair Gray Senior Lecturer University of Wolverhampton School of Health Education Centre New Cross Hospital Wolverhampton WV10 OPQ, UK
doi:10.1016/S0965-2302(03)00068-7
Child protection: An introduction Chris Beckett, Sage Publications, ISBN 0 7619 4955 0, £60.00, cloth ISBN 0 7619 4956 9, £18.99 PBK Child protection is everyone’s business. Emergency nurses must, therefore, welcome any text which would render this responsibility less doubting. The book is aimed, primarily, at social work students, acknowledging the ethos of working together Beckett hopes that there will be something of interest to all. The initial chapters are “somewhat confusing”. Although the contribution of different groups is discussed the text appears to highlight only the negative aspects and I feel it could be disconcerting to anyone starting out on a career in child protection. There follows a clear explanation of the Department of Health definitions of child abuse and suggests signs which may arouse suspicion.
The exercises interspersed within the text would each provide opportunity for lively debate and indeed Beckett encourages this in his ensuing discussion. The author claims to draw on a lengthy experience in child protection work, and I would have liked to have read the outcomes of these very typical scenarios, how the child protection team did, or did not work together to safeguard the children. As the author states, child protection workers should be guided by Department of Health “workworking together to safeguard children” rather than relying on second hand publications. I am sure all readers will find something relevant to their practice, but I would not indicate this book as recommended reading for nurses working with child protection in the A&E department. Julie Flaherty Nurse Consultant Booth Hall Children’s Hospital, UK
doi:10.1016/S0965-2302(03)00069-9
Hospital acquired infection: Causes and control Filetoth, Z. (2003), Whurr Publishers Ltd., ISBN 1 86156 3442, £19.50 PBK Let’s be honest – for most of us working in A&E the subject area of infection control has never been as interesting as those ‘sexy’ topics of trauma and emergency care, and I’m not sure that this book will change that view. However, in these days of new virus strains and with hospital cleanliness a hot political topic we cannot say it is not relevant. This is a comprehensive text aimed at European and North American multi-professional audiences with data and literature from both these continents. Although purporting to outline the basics of the subject I would suggest that this is not a read for the infection control novice and the complex doi:10.1016/S0965-2302(03)00070-5
terminology and statistics are initially off-putting. Despite this, with perseverance you will find chapters addressing prevention strategies and common pathogens causing hospital infection that are of relevance to those in A&E. This book would be a useful adjunct to pharmacology texts for nurse practitioners or prescribers, and whilst I would not recommend it as a cover-to-cover read there are some informative sections that provide background for those involved in the treatment of infection. Heather Jarman Lecturer/Practitioner Accident and Emergency Department St. Georges Healthcare NHS Trust London, UK
Accident and Emergency Nursing www.elsevierhealth.com/journals/aaen
BOOK REVIEWS Handbook of emergency department procedures (2nd edn) John Bache, Carolyn Armitt, Cathy Gadd (eds), Mosby 2003, ISBN 07234 3322 4, £24.99 PBK This useful little book is in its second edition and has been revised, updated and turned into a handy pocket sized book (with a durable plastic cover) making it ideal for A&E use! Ninety-five common A&E procedures are well illustrated and crammed into its 164 pages. Written by an A&E consultant and two nurse practitioners, this book is useful for both emergency nurses and junior medical staff. It has everything from how to apply a broad arm sling to how to undertake a pericardiocentesis. Whilst the authors describe the book as the clinical equivalent of a book of recipes, it wouldn’t be a good idea to undertake many of the procedures described in the book without a bit of training and some practice first. It is, however, ideal for a quick
reminder of what materials are required and a stepby-step guide of how to undertake each procedure. Nurses and doctors new to A&E are likely to really appreciate this book. However, all readers need to bear in mind that where their local materials differ to those shown in the book, there may be some differences in application or use, and they would be wise to consult manufacturers’ instructions. In summary, this is a useful wee book to keep in the department or your pocket. However, do scribble in the margin any important local variations and avoid new recipes unless you’ve had the chance to practice first. Mark A. Cooper BG, RGN ENP Course Co-ordinator PhD Student University of Glasgow Accident & Emergency Glasgow Royal Infirmary Glasgow, UK
doi:10.1016/S0965-2302(03)00065-1
Emergency cardiology: An evidence-based guide to acute cardiac problems Azad Ghuran, Neal Uren and James Nolan (eds), Arnold 2003, ISBN 0 340 80719 9, £16.99 PBK On picking up this small volume, my first thought was of its weight. On flicking through it, it is clearly a detailed text, but it is made more visually pleasing by usefully being interspersed with text boxes, ECG tracings and selected diagrams. Overall, Emergency Cardiology is a detailed and thorough resource, useful both for quick reference, but also for detailed exploration of the fascinating and complex world of acute cardiac problems. Most if not all chapters have something useful to say to emergency nurses. The first chapter on myocardial infarction is particularly thorough and helpful, including thrombolysis. The main principles of resuscitation are covered in the third chapter. The content here appears to emphasise
enduring features of cardio-pulmonary resuscitation, rather than emphasising the changing features of the ‘latest guidance’, and this will only serve to prolong the book’s relevance. Chapter subjects are clearly identified, with each focusing on a specific common cardiac emergency. Each chapter opens with a detailed contents page and this aids the book’s use for quick retrieval of key facts. Otherwise, the chapters have a broadly common structure and this facilitates a logical and detailed exploration of the given topic. Chapters broadly commence with a helpful overview of the condition, including epidemiological data and patho-physiological issues. The content throughout assumes minimal understanding of the subject before progressing to detailed discussion. Each chapter closes by identifying key points and providing a key reading list, the latter is generally detailed, although is surprisingly thin in a couple of instances.
Book reviews I would like to have seen some reference to current policy issues driving practice, including the national service framework, and their implication for service delivery. However, first and foremost this is a book focussed on identifying excellent clinical practice, and in that it certainly succeeds.
123 Alastair Gray Senior Lecturer University of Wolverhampton School of Health Education Centre New Cross Hospital Wolverhampton WV10 OPQ, UK
doi:10.1016/S0965-2302(03)00068-7
Child protection: An introduction Chris Beckett, Sage Publications, ISBN 0 7619 4955 0, £60.00, cloth ISBN 0 7619 4956 9, £18.99 PBK Child protection is everyone’s business. Emergency nurses must, therefore, welcome any text which would render this responsibility less doubting. The book is aimed, primarily, at social work students, acknowledging the ethos of working together Beckett hopes that there will be something of interest to all. The initial chapters are “somewhat confusing”. Although the contribution of different groups is discussed the text appears to highlight only the negative aspects and I feel it could be disconcerting to anyone starting out on a career in child protection. There follows a clear explanation of the Department of Health definitions of child abuse and suggests signs which may arouse suspicion.
The exercises interspersed within the text would each provide opportunity for lively debate and indeed Beckett encourages this in his ensuing discussion. The author claims to draw on a lengthy experience in child protection work, and I would have liked to have read the outcomes of these very typical scenarios, how the child protection team did, or did not work together to safeguard the children. As the author states, child protection workers should be guided by Department of Health “workworking together to safeguard children” rather than relying on second hand publications. I am sure all readers will find something relevant to their practice, but I would not indicate this book as recommended reading for nurses working with child protection in the A&E department. Julie Flaherty Nurse Consultant Booth Hall Children’s Hospital, UK
doi:10.1016/S0965-2302(03)00069-9
Hospital acquired infection: Causes and control Filetoth, Z. (2003), Whurr Publishers Ltd., ISBN 1 86156 3442, £19.50 PBK Let’s be honest – for most of us working in A&E the subject area of infection control has never been as interesting as those ‘sexy’ topics of trauma and emergency care, and I’m not sure that this book will change that view. However, in these days of new virus strains and with hospital cleanliness a hot political topic we cannot say it is not relevant. This is a comprehensive text aimed at European and North American multi-professional audiences with data and literature from both these continents. Although purporting to outline the basics of the subject I would suggest that this is not a read for the infection control novice and the complex doi:10.1016/S0965-2302(03)00070-5
terminology and statistics are initially off-putting. Despite this, with perseverance you will find chapters addressing prevention strategies and common pathogens causing hospital infection that are of relevance to those in A&E. This book would be a useful adjunct to pharmacology texts for nurse practitioners or prescribers, and whilst I would not recommend it as a cover-to-cover read there are some informative sections that provide background for those involved in the treatment of infection. Heather Jarman Lecturer/Practitioner Accident and Emergency Department St. Georges Healthcare NHS Trust London, UK