Clinical Laboratory Tests

From The Critics

Reviewer: Anne G. Perry, EdD, RN(Saint Louis University School of Nursing)
Description: This second edition reference text is designed to provide for the appropriate selection and interpretation of laboratory tests. Introductory chapters describe proper techniques for obtaining blood and urine specimens. The alphabetical listing of laboratory tests further enhances the ease of using this book in clinical practice settings.
Purpose: Tables, sidebars, and appendices along with an inclusive alphabetical listing of texts achieve the book's purpose of providing a ready clinical reference for the selection and interpretation of laboratory tests. This is a practical, easy-to-use book.
Audience: Targeted for practicing nurses and other healthcare professionals, this book is applicable for primary, acute, and restorative healthcare settings.
Features: Positive features include the size and shape of the book, which make it an easy-to-use reference in clinical settings; alphabetical listing of laboratory tests; a good index; and multiple tables, which enhance the narrative. Drawbacks include the lack of any reference citations throughout—at the very least the CDC guidelines should be referenced—and the lack of any illustrations or photos.
Assessment: This laboratory book is a good clinical reference for the practicing nurse. Nursing students need more foundational material for this to be a companion textbook. The absence of a nurse as a second edition contributor or as a clinical consultant results in weaknesses in the nurse care subsections of patient preparation and posttest care.

Anne G. Perry

This second edition reference text is designed to provide for the appropriate selection and interpretation of laboratory tests. Introductory chapters describe proper techniques for obtaining blood and urine specimens. The alphabetical listing of laboratory tests further enhances the ease of using this book in clinical practice settings. Tables, sidebars, and appendices along with an inclusive alphabetical listing of texts achieve the book's purpose of providing a ready clinical reference for the selection and interpretation of laboratory tests. This is a practical, easy-to-use book. Targeted for practicing nurses and other healthcare professionals, this book is applicable for primary, acute, and restorative healthcare settings. Positive features include the size and shape of the book, which make it an easy-to-use reference in clinical settings; alphabetical listing of laboratory tests; a good index; and multiple tables, which enhance the narrative. Drawbacks include the lack of any reference citations throughout--at the very least the CDC guidelines should be referenced--and the lack of any illustrations or photos. This laboratory book is a good clinical reference for the practicing nurse. Nursing students need more foundational material for this to be a companion textbook. The absence of a nurse as a second edition contributor or as a clinical consultant results in weaknesses in the nurse care subsections of patient preparation and posttest care.

3 Stars from Doody