Nutrition Handbook for Nursing Practice

From The Critics

Reviewer: Neva L Crogan, PhD, APRN, BC (University of Arizona College of Nursing)
Description: First published in 1987 as Nutrition Handbook for Nursing Practice, this book provides the working nurse with "what you need to know about nutrition and how you can use that knowledge to your client's advantage."
Purpose: According to the author, the purpose is to provide updated nutrition information and to explore different approaches for using that knowledge to the benefit of the client. Nutrition is basic to health. Without good nutrition, optimal health is difficult to achieve. This book provides needed, up-to-date information and approaches needed to care for clients in a variety of settings.
Audience: The book was written for nurses. I believe that the appropriate audience is nursing students taking basic, undergraduate courses. The author is a consultant dietitian in private practice. She has compiled a noteworthy list of reviewers that "gave feedback on students' needs and shared their clinical expertise."
Features: The book is split into three sections. Section one covers the principles of nutrition; section two health promotion; and section three nutrition in clinical practice. The expected appendixes are present: dietary reference intakes, tolerable upper intake levels, recommended dietary allowances, growth charts, diet and drug interactions, exchange lists, and a comprehensive index. The book has colorful figures and art throughout.
Assessment: Nutrition education for nurses is much needed. This book provides student nurses with an easy to understand source ofinformation that could be used as a reference guide after graduation. The writing is easy to understand, at times too easy. In fact, it may seem condescending to some nurses. Current editions of popular textbooks are always needed. This fourth edition is timely and fills a void in the options available to student nurses.

3 Stars from Doody