A PRACTICAL GUIDE TO ECG INTERPRETATION

AUGUST 1994, VOL 60, NO 2

1990s and that, at times, the humor reflects the sexist views of nursing. Despite the sexist overtones, the humor is not offensive. because it represents a part of nursing's histo- ry. Overall. this book is meant to be enjoyed as the lighter side of nursing.

This book is available from Hanley & Belfus, Inc. 2 10 S 13th St. Philadelphia, PA 19107.

SOPHIA M. SCHILD RN, MM, CNOR

CLINICIAN EDUCATO~SURGICAL SERVICES, PAIN CENTER

VMLEV PRESBVTERUN HOSPITAL VAN Nws, CALIF

MANAGING HOSPITAL-BASED PATIENT EDUCATION Edited bv Barbasa E. Giloth 1993, i l l I pp $54.95 AHA menihess. $68.95 11011-

menihess. paperback

his text is an invaluable resource to health care providers who are interested in

the many different aspects of patient health-education programs.

The editor of this text has an extensive background in patient health education at the national and international levels. The contribut- ing authors have participated in activities such as implementing hospital-wide patient education programs, supporting interdiscipli- nary teams, providing editorial and communication consulting ser- vices. and conducting research that analyzes nursing participation in patient education and creates con- ceptual frameworks for promoting patient education. The contributing authors have implemented pro- grams that target specific popula- tions (eg, diverse cultural commu- nities with defined health risk fac- tors), created programs for providing caregiver and family

T

support services, and developed special materials for patients with low literacy skills.

Based on their experience, the authors approach patient health education from a management viewpoint, which is a different perspective from many conven- tional texts on this topic. The authors provide essential knowl- edge covering a multitude of top- ics. These topics include develop- ing effective patient education committees and gaining influence, support, and \ isibility for patient education activities.

This book includes organiza- tional charts, policies, procedures. position descriptions. staff and patient education needs assessment forms, patient education documen- tation forms. and quality improve- ment evaluation forms. The book also details the steps involved in developing printed patient educa- tion materials.

educational environment. The authors believe that health infor- mation, including all levels and types of resources, should be freely available to patients. The book's appendix lists 14 national patient-education and health-pro- motion agencies and their address- es, purposes, and functions. The bibliography lists journal articles from 1990- I992 and the major books of the past decade that per- tain to patient education.

As the patient's hospital stay shortens, the patient's family members are assuming the care- giver roles more often. The book addresses this significant aspect of patient/family health education and explains the roles of con- sumer health information resource centers, which enable hospitals to support their patient education functions. keeping

The book discusses creating an

communities informed and well. The book discusses the stan-

dards established by the American Nurses Association and Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations for patient education as well as risk management through patient edu- cation activities. This book is an excellent resource on the manage- ment of hospital-based patient education.

This book, available from American Hospital Publishing, Inc, PO Box 92683, Chicago, IL 60675, will find a place not on the book- shelf, but frequently open in your work area.

LINDA C. LEWIS RN, BSN, CNOR

EDUCATION COORDINATORIOR, PACU AUDIE 1. MURPHY MEMORIAL

VETERANS HOSPITAL SAN ANTONIO

A PRACTICAL GUIDE TO EGG INTERPRETATION By Ken Graun- 1992,350 p p $27.95 papesback

T cardiography (ECG) for the novice student. It emphasizes application of the practical con- cepts encountered in the daily prac- tice of most health care providers.

The author introduces two unique teaching features: an ECG interpretation pocket reference and schematic tracings. The pocket ref- erence eliminates the need for memorization. It is helpful to refer to it as you read through the book and as you apply the concepts in your everyday practice.

The pocket reference also serves as a rapid refresher and sum- mary of the systematic approach to interpretation. Schematic tracings

his book is a comprehensive, practical approach to electro-

318 AORN JOURNAL

lire tisctl I i hcral l y tlirotighotit the booh. These i I I tistrations focus attention on key leads that corre- y m i c l to the conclitions discussed in [lie hook.

This huok is divided into I'ive part\. Part one begins wiih ;I brief philosophical overview of electro- carcliography. The reader cloes not need to he ;I cnrdiologist to obtain proficiency in the art of interpreta- tion. Part one concludes with ;I brief review of I'untlamentals. Mucli of this material may be basic to those with prior ECG cxpcrience.

I'ai't t w ccmpriscs the core content of tlie hook. This p u i ~ begins by presenting ;I systematic approucli to interpretation :ind coii- cluck\ with discussions of rate and rhythm. the I'R interval. QRS inter- v;d. Iwndle brunch block. QT inter- val. axis arid Iiemiblocl\s, chamber erilar~enient. and QRST change\.

Part three cliscusse\ ECG diag- n o x i s of ac~i ie infarction and ischemia. reviews coronary circti- lation. antl emphasims the cli i i i- C;II application of thrombolytic tlierapy. I t also provides tips on recognizing silent infnrciion and ciiagiiosing posterior antl riglit venlriculx i i i f~~rc t ion by ECG. l ' h i s part concludes with a discus- sion of electrolyte disturbances mtl per i card i t i s ,

touches blj di,sctissing such topics as signs of ECG lead misplacement and special considerations for the pediatric pntient or the patierit with ;I pacemaker. I t alw addresses what can be learned from coiiiparison tracings. whether the computer "knows" better, and when 12-lead ECCis are better than three-lead ECGs.

ing. basic review tracings for inter- pretation. Each tracing is accoiiipa-

Part four provides the finishing

Part five contains 35 challeng-

nied by ;I short clinicirl scenario. mid the reader is asked to systemat- ically interpret these tracings and compare answers with t l ie detniled explanation t lxrt follow.

and teacliing guide lor the birsic learner. I t ulso serves as a quick i.efercnce t o r the more experienced practitioner. The book is ;ivail;iblc from Mosby-Year Book. Inc. 1 1x30 Westline Industrial Dr. St Louis, MO 63 146.

T h i s book is a good reference

KAREN RICHARDSON RN, BSN, CNOR

STAFF NURSE/OR JOHN T. MATHER MEMORIAL HOSPITAL

PORT JEFFERSON, NY

i th Iiealth care reform peiid- Ing, IlLIrSes must prepare theinselves Ihr the future.

This text will help nurses get ready for tlie changes this refoiiii surely will bring.

This clearly written text offers an overview of amhulatory surgical nursing itrid traces the patient's sur- gical path. There is an excellent present at i on on nu rs i 11 g cons i de ra- tions foI tlie patient receiviiig anes- thesia as well as up-to-date discus- sions on environiiiental. business. and professional issues in anibula- tory surgical nursing. This well-organireti text is easy

and pleasant (yes, plensant) to read. The miiterial is presented i n a clear. logical manner. and all tlie infor- mation i s ea\y to refeience. I found this text easy to follow because the infomiat ion is organized 1ogic;illy. not systematically.

The author and contributors consistently recognize ambulatory rtirgical iiursing as a specialty. The

critical role ol nursing in succ~zsfiil aiilx~latory care is identit'iccl. described. and respected. u I i ic l i will be appreciated by practitiuiizr.; who often have hcen consiilcreii "appcndnges" of O R nurse\ a i i c l physician\.

The author emphasi/ez the nursing process and its ;itlupt;rtiori for :im bu 1 ;it o r y s ti rg i c ;I I I i I i r\ i i is She cmpli:tsi/e.; the roles ancl responsibilities ( 1 1 paticiits aiid t heii- tnmilieh.

Thi\ t e x t . writtcii froiii i l ic American Socieiy of Post Ancz- tlie4ii Nurses' viewpoint, \\ill benefit ; i l l participaiits III ainhula- tory srirpicd nursing. I f sliotiIt1 be mmdatory rexliiig for ;ill iitirse\ who are involved in o r are coii templnting inw)lvemeiit in ainhu- latory nursing .

el-an prxiitioiier will l e x i i iicw ideas (and have ole1 oiies \,:dida- ed). arid the IICM' practitioner \\ill start h i s or her c;ircer "oii the ri$t fOOt."

The text is uvailahle from W. 8. Saunders Co. Iiiclependeiice Square W. Philadelplii~i, PA I9 1 06-3?99.

After reatling this hooL. tlie vet-

SUZY SCHROCK RN, MBA

HEAD NURSEKAME DAY SURGERY

SIBLEV MEMORIAL HOSPITAL WASHINGTON, DC

EFFECTIVE PHRASES FOR PERFOR- MANCE APPRAISALS: A GUIDE TO SUCCESSFUL EVALUATIONS, \<'l c , / l th 1.d

N\ . / C i I ? l ~ ~ \ E ni'c~trl. .I, 199'4. I 7h I)/' $8 Y'i \ / I / / t i i ~ X J I f l ~ t /

liir book is designed pri- marily for iiiai:igery iuicl T supervisor\. althoiigli any-

one I I I vit 1 vcd in persomiel L' \#;I 111 -

ations m a y find i t helpful. I t is ;I