Intensive and Critical Care Nursing (2010)26, 58
a v a i l a b l e a t w w w . s c i e n c e d i r e c t . c o m
j o u r n a l h o m e p a g e : w w w . e l s e v i e r . c o m / i c c n
BOOK REVIEW
Oxford Handbook of Critical Care Nursing, S.K.
Adam, S. Osbourne. (2009). 557 pp., Price
£22.95, ISBN: 978-0 19-921590-4
In short, this textbook is invaluable to any nurse undertaking practice based assessments in the clinical envi- ronment as part of their education and preparation to be a critical care nurse in high dependency or intensive care.
It would also prove a useful tool for those experienced in critical care who would like a refresher, particularly if they are engaged in mentorship or other educational roles. It is small, compact and easily portable for reference use in the clinical area. The authors’ style demonstrates a wealth of experience and knowledge in the field of critical care.
The structure of the book is worthy of explanation as the first three chapters focus on the continuum of care includ- ing outreach service interventions pre-admission to critical care and post-discharge. Of particular note is the emphasis placed on the consideration of the patient in the criti- cal care environment including stress, anxiety, fear, pain, communication and the often neglected aspect of delirium and its management. Issues of clinical governance are also addressed prior to the necessary and important mainstays of critical care, pathophysiology and the effective monitoring and management of failing physiological systems.
Excellent guidance is given to linked reference material throughout the book, e.g. patient perceptions of critical care such as discomfort from the endotracheal tube, fear of disconnection, the importance of touch which are then linked to further sections addressing communication, pain, sensory deprivation, staff noise and transition to the ward.
There are some limitations in the area of cardiac output measurement. Pulse contour analysis (PiCCO) and pressure waveform analysis are not described to the same extent as those of pulmonary artery catheterisation and oesophageal Doppler. The Liverpool Care Pathway (LCP) for the dying has also been omitted although it should be noted that the essential comfort measures to be taken during a patient’s final hours are outlined they lack the structure provided by a specific care pathway.
However, these limitations pale in to insignificance given the broad spectrum of topics addressed and the brevity with which they are described. As stated at the beginning of the review this is a ‘must have’ textbook for all those learning the art and science of caring for those who are critically ill.
Carol Ball Consultant Nurse Critical Care, Royal Free Hampstead NHS Trust, Pond St., London NW3 2QN, United Kingdom
0964-3397/$ — see front matter © 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
doi:10.1016/j.iccn.2009.11.002
