Overview
The AACN Procedure Manual for Critical Care, 6th Edition presents procedures for the critical care environment in an illustrated, consistent, and step-by-step format. The Procedures and Patient Monitoring sections are presented in a tabular format that includes special considerations and rationales for each intervention. References have been meticulously reviewed to ensure that the most authoritative and timely standards of practice are used. Additionally, the references supporting care recommendations are identified according to the latest AACN Evidence Leveling System to ensure that you have a complete understanding of the strength of the evidence base.
• UNIQUE! AACN-sponsored content ensures the highest standards of practice
• Comprehensive, clear, easy-to-use format allows you to quickly find and review the exact content you need
• Rationales provide complete information on every procedure
• Identified AP procedures help you judge whether a procedure is in your scope of practice
• Patient safety highlighted with new icons for patient identification and time-out Joint Commission Universal Protocols
• CDC Standard Precautions for hand washing and applying protective clothing and equipment highlighted with new icons
• UNIQUE! Clarity of Evidence Leveling helps you quickly grasp the strength of the evidence supporting the care recommendations
• Reviewed and Updated References comply with the highest standards of critical care practice
• Alphabetical procedures index inside the front cover provides easy access
• Reader-friendly design changes make it easier to identify and utilize special features
Synopsis
AACN Procedure Manual for Critical Care offers comprehensive coverage of procedures unique to the critical care environment. This edition is thoroughly revised, updated, and expanded to reflect the current state of critical care nursing practice. Information is presented in a highly illustrated step-by-step format with supporting rationales for each step of every procedure. This resource also emphasizes evidence-based practice and provides complete coverage of the latest clinical studies.
• Each procedure is organized in a consistent, step-by-step format with categories that include: prerequisite nursing knowledge, equipment, patient and family education, patient assessment and preparation, procedure, expected outcomes, unexpected outcomes, patient monitoring and care, and documentation.
• Each procedure is supported by research-based data.
• Advanced practice procedures are noted with a special AP icon indicating that these procedures should be done only by qualified personnel.
• 19 new procedures discuss topics such as combitube insertion and removal, transesophageal echocardiography, and patient controlled analgesia.
• A new Quick Tips feature — located in the Special Considerations column for quick reference — highlights key words and key concepts for each procedure.
• A new web-enhanced feature at the beginning and end of each procedure directs readers to online supplement materials such as additional art and photographs.
• Web links connect users to hundreds of continually updated web sites that contain information relevant to critical care nursing practice.
• 200 new line drawings clearly illustrate important techniques and bring key procedures to life.
Editorials
From the Publisher
"This sixth edition text prepared under the auspices of the American Association of Critical Care Nurses continues its mission as a comprehensive reference presenting quick access to the abundance of information necessary for providing high-quality care to seriously ill patients. Procedures are detailed in a consistent format covering purpose, prerequisite nursing knowledge, equipment, patient and family education, and patient assessment and preparation. Procedures are described step by step, with identification and delineation of rationale, special considerations, expected and unexpected outcomes, patient monitoring, documentation, and references. Icons identify procedures that require, for example advanced skills, hand hygiene, or personal protective equipment. Charts, tables, diagrams, and illustrations are all designed to present information efficiently and well."- Book News, Inc.