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HEART TO HEART: A GUIDE TO THE PSYCHOLOGICAL ASPECTS OF HEART DISEASE
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the bookshelf
THE ECG IN EMERGENCY DECISION MAKING. By HEIN J. J. WELLEN and MARY B. CoNOVER. Philadelphia: WB Saunders, 1992, 229 pp,'24.95. This book, written by a physician and a nurse, could be titled, "Everything You Wanted To Know About Cardiac Emergencies, But Were Afraid To Ask." The main premise of The ECG in Emergency DedBWn Maldng is fairly basic: identification of the mechanism causing a cardiac emergency leads to correct treatment that not only can be lifesaving but can improve quality of life. Although this premise is basic, this book is not. The reader needs to have more than a beginning understanding of electrocardiography concepts even though basic rhythms are revie~ed throughout the book at some time. The arrangement of this book is unique. Each of its 12 chapters focus on a speci8c cardiac emergency situation. Such topics as acute myocardial infarction, unstable angina, wide QRS tachy~ narrow QRS tachycardia, slow atrial rhythms, atrioventricular block, pulmonary embolism, digitalis, potassium, and other drug-induced emergencies, pacing emergencies, and prehospital cardiac emergencies are covered. On the 8rst page of each chapter is a weD-defined, highlighted, boxed area summarizing the emergency approach required. These highlighted boxes are reproduced in the back of the book on smaD removable cards for easy reference. Each chapter further elaborates its topic with easy to read, clearly labeled sections. Particularly of interest are the appendices that cover rapid determination of the QRS axis, de8brillation, cardioversion, and emergency drug dosing. Two examples from the book are worth noting. The chapters on acute myocardial infarction and unstable angina provide insightful information on identifying specific vessel occlusion sites by ECG developments. Critical high left anterior descending artery stenosis recognition on the ECG is just such an example. The reproduced ECG tracings and the statistical study references and results are numerous and clear. The chapters on narrow and wide QRS tachycardias reveal current information in clearly delineating ventricular and supraventricular rhythms. Again systematic approaches to diagnosis and treatment are emphasized to make quick yet accurate decisions. Overall, this book is indepth without being overwhelming for the advanced beginner but is simplistic without being too basic for the expert. Those that benefit from statistical information and the written work will enjoy this book. Those that enjoy ECG examples and diagrams will not be disappointed. I liked this book-it quickly got to the important points of using the ECG in making emergency decisions, something other ECG books fail to do.
Lynn Rodgen, R.N., M.S.N., C.C.R.N., C.N.R.N. EotJmoille. Indiana HEART TO HEART: A GUIDE TO THE PSYCHOLOGICAL AsPEcTs OF HEART DISEASE. By HERBERT N. BUDNICI: and Soon ROBERT HAYS, Santa Fe, New Mexico: Health Press, 1991, 117 pp, $22.95 Psychosocial recovery from a cardiac event is just as important as the physiologic recovery. Helping the patient to undentand what has happened and wUI be happening to him or her and providing advice on possible coping techniques has been proven invaluable in fostering successful and full recovery. Professional staff as well can benefit from a greater understanding of the psychosocial aspects of recovery so they can better work with the patient. This book can serve as a useful tool for patient education in a cardiac rehabilitation program. Written for the layperson, it offers education and advice in a concise, easy-to-read fashion. It is intended for both the patient and his famUy. It reviews the nature of cardiac disease and its treatment, discusses possible emotional reactions to a cardiac event, and describes the psychosocial aspects of recovery. It addresses ways in which the patient can help him or herself in treatment and recovery. It also examines the impact of cardiac event on the family and how the family may best respond. While the focus is on the male patient, with an appropriate acknowledgment by the author, one section does address issues specific to a women's recovery. The advice offered is simple and straightforward and can be easily understood and implemented. The author offers appropriate cautions regarding consultations with the treating physicians as well as the need to seek professional help if problems are too intense or continue on too long. This book would also prove useful to professional staff. The entire book will help professionals better understand the psychologic aspects of cardiac disease and its treatment. Such understanding, in turn, should help enhance the quality of their care. One section specifically addresses
20
how professionals can help with the emotional needs of the patient and his or her family as well as how staff can help protect their own emotional well being. OveraU, information and education are necessary for successful coping and recovery, so this book can be a valuable resource for patients, family, and staff and is recommended.
Elizabeth Kalb, Ph.D. EotJnsvdle, Indiana SURGICAL MANAGEMENT OF VASCULAR DISEASE. Edited by PETER R. BELL, CRAWFORD W. JAMIESON, and C. VAUGHAN RU
Petei' R. McCombs, MD. Abington, Pennsylvania RAPID ANALYSIS OF ARRHYTHMIAS, 2nd ed. By E. STEIN. Malvern, Pa: Lea & Febiger, 1992, 229 pp, $24.95
RiJpkl Analysis of Arrhythmias is written at a basic, entry level. The progression of the content is appropriate in that it begins with a basic review of anatomy and physiology and moves forward from that point to the more advanced information including interpretation of the rhythms. The book appears complete in its inclusion of the basic arrhythmias. There are review practice rhythms included in the book with aU of the answers, which is very valuable to the learner. Also, as the content progresses, practice is built into the content. The illustrations are interesting and original and I appreciate the way in which they imply movement. I believe the book could be more complete in describing the significance of certain rhythms and the treatment of the arrhythmias is a general way. Some of the arrhythmias do include causes (junctional tachycardia, p 87) but most of the rhythms do not list the usual causes. As a self-study, response-required program book, I feel there are some areas that need improvement. The structure of the questions in the sentence sometimes require the student to read beyond the blank and then back-up to answer the question (eg, p 7), which seems awkward. At times, the response requested does not seem to be the CCkey" word or the appropriate answer (p 24). Jean Hunt, R.N. EotJnmlle. Indiana Continued f,.om page 24
~I.~
-
--=-
the bookshelf
THE ECG IN EMERGENCY DECISION MAKING. By HEIN J. J. WELLEN and MARY B. CoNOVER. Philadelphia: WB Saunders, 1992, 229 pp,'24.95. This book, written by a physician and a nurse, could be titled, "Everything You Wanted To Know About Cardiac Emergencies, But Were Afraid To Ask." The main premise of The ECG in Emergency DedBWn Maldng is fairly basic: identification of the mechanism causing a cardiac emergency leads to correct treatment that not only can be lifesaving but can improve quality of life. Although this premise is basic, this book is not. The reader needs to have more than a beginning understanding of electrocardiography concepts even though basic rhythms are revie~ed throughout the book at some time. The arrangement of this book is unique. Each of its 12 chapters focus on a speci8c cardiac emergency situation. Such topics as acute myocardial infarction, unstable angina, wide QRS tachy~ narrow QRS tachycardia, slow atrial rhythms, atrioventricular block, pulmonary embolism, digitalis, potassium, and other drug-induced emergencies, pacing emergencies, and prehospital cardiac emergencies are covered. On the 8rst page of each chapter is a weD-defined, highlighted, boxed area summarizing the emergency approach required. These highlighted boxes are reproduced in the back of the book on smaD removable cards for easy reference. Each chapter further elaborates its topic with easy to read, clearly labeled sections. Particularly of interest are the appendices that cover rapid determination of the QRS axis, de8brillation, cardioversion, and emergency drug dosing. Two examples from the book are worth noting. The chapters on acute myocardial infarction and unstable angina provide insightful information on identifying specific vessel occlusion sites by ECG developments. Critical high left anterior descending artery stenosis recognition on the ECG is just such an example. The reproduced ECG tracings and the statistical study references and results are numerous and clear. The chapters on narrow and wide QRS tachycardias reveal current information in clearly delineating ventricular and supraventricular rhythms. Again systematic approaches to diagnosis and treatment are emphasized to make quick yet accurate decisions. Overall, this book is indepth without being overwhelming for the advanced beginner but is simplistic without being too basic for the expert. Those that benefit from statistical information and the written work will enjoy this book. Those that enjoy ECG examples and diagrams will not be disappointed. I liked this book-it quickly got to the important points of using the ECG in making emergency decisions, something other ECG books fail to do.
Lynn Rodgen, R.N., M.S.N., C.C.R.N., C.N.R.N. EotJmoille. Indiana HEART TO HEART: A GUIDE TO THE PSYCHOLOGICAL AsPEcTs OF HEART DISEASE. By HERBERT N. BUDNICI: and Soon ROBERT HAYS, Santa Fe, New Mexico: Health Press, 1991, 117 pp, $22.95 Psychosocial recovery from a cardiac event is just as important as the physiologic recovery. Helping the patient to undentand what has happened and wUI be happening to him or her and providing advice on possible coping techniques has been proven invaluable in fostering successful and full recovery. Professional staff as well can benefit from a greater understanding of the psychosocial aspects of recovery so they can better work with the patient. This book can serve as a useful tool for patient education in a cardiac rehabilitation program. Written for the layperson, it offers education and advice in a concise, easy-to-read fashion. It is intended for both the patient and his famUy. It reviews the nature of cardiac disease and its treatment, discusses possible emotional reactions to a cardiac event, and describes the psychosocial aspects of recovery. It addresses ways in which the patient can help him or herself in treatment and recovery. It also examines the impact of cardiac event on the family and how the family may best respond. While the focus is on the male patient, with an appropriate acknowledgment by the author, one section does address issues specific to a women's recovery. The advice offered is simple and straightforward and can be easily understood and implemented. The author offers appropriate cautions regarding consultations with the treating physicians as well as the need to seek professional help if problems are too intense or continue on too long. This book would also prove useful to professional staff. The entire book will help professionals better understand the psychologic aspects of cardiac disease and its treatment. Such understanding, in turn, should help enhance the quality of their care. One section specifically addresses
20
how professionals can help with the emotional needs of the patient and his or her family as well as how staff can help protect their own emotional well being. OveraU, information and education are necessary for successful coping and recovery, so this book can be a valuable resource for patients, family, and staff and is recommended.
Elizabeth Kalb, Ph.D. EotJnsvdle, Indiana SURGICAL MANAGEMENT OF VASCULAR DISEASE. Edited by PETER R. BELL, CRAWFORD W. JAMIESON, and C. VAUGHAN RU
Petei' R. McCombs, MD. Abington, Pennsylvania RAPID ANALYSIS OF ARRHYTHMIAS, 2nd ed. By E. STEIN. Malvern, Pa: Lea & Febiger, 1992, 229 pp, $24.95
RiJpkl Analysis of Arrhythmias is written at a basic, entry level. The progression of the content is appropriate in that it begins with a basic review of anatomy and physiology and moves forward from that point to the more advanced information including interpretation of the rhythms. The book appears complete in its inclusion of the basic arrhythmias. There are review practice rhythms included in the book with aU of the answers, which is very valuable to the learner. Also, as the content progresses, practice is built into the content. The illustrations are interesting and original and I appreciate the way in which they imply movement. I believe the book could be more complete in describing the significance of certain rhythms and the treatment of the arrhythmias is a general way. Some of the arrhythmias do include causes (junctional tachycardia, p 87) but most of the rhythms do not list the usual causes. As a self-study, response-required program book, I feel there are some areas that need improvement. The structure of the questions in the sentence sometimes require the student to read beyond the blank and then back-up to answer the question (eg, p 7), which seems awkward. At times, the response requested does not seem to be the CCkey" word or the appropriate answer (p 24). Jean Hunt, R.N. EotJnmlle. Indiana Continued f,.om page 24