This newly updated, quick-access guide for critical care nurses covers the most common admitting diagnoses and reviews their causes, signs and symptoms, and interventions. Critical care nursing requires astute assessment, adept communication, and the ability to multitask, as well as a high degree of adaptability. In the ICU, patient status and plan of care change constantly, presenting multifaceted problems for nurses and healthcare providers. This authoritative resource, with bulleted, bite-sized content, provides information to the busy ICU nurse in a heartbeat. Fast Facts for the Critical Care Nurse, Second Edition, has been updated with the most current evidence-based guidelines and standards. Now organized by body system, this reference presents the latest treatment modalities and provides quick access to lab values and hemodynamic parameters. Part I introduces the foundations of critical care. Part II progresses by body system to cover common procedures and interventions. Part III covers patient- and family-centered care, discussing palliative directives and organ donation. New to the Second Edition: Seven completely new chapters Chapter reorganization by body system Updated to include newest treatment modalities Speedy access to appendices with common lab values, hemodynamic parameters, IV medications, and EKG rhythm examples Key Features: Provides quick access to essential information needed on a daily basis Includes Fast Facts boxes to help guide the reader Authored by a respected nurse leader, educator, and AACN/Wharton Executive Leadership Fellow

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A succinct yet comprehensive reference tool for cardiac surgery nurses, this new addition to the Fast Facts series provides quick access to frequently used information regarding the care of cardiac surgery patients. It encompasses the timeline from pre-op to recovery period, with a special focus on the prevention and management of commonly seen post-op complications. The book addresses surgical treatments for coronary artery disease, valve disease, descending aortic aneurysms, and congenital heart disease in adults, and covers patient presentation and diagnostic tests, immediate and extended post-operative period care, cardiac rehabilitation programs, and patient education. Intended for daily use, this reference not only contains important guidelines for all nurses caring for cardiac surgery patients, but reinforces highly specialized skills and supports the development of new skills. It will be highly valuable to new graduates and nurses who are considering a switch to cardiac care, as well as seasoned practitioners. Key Features: Provides a handy pocket reference for new and experienced cardiac care nurses Clearly organized for easy reference to equipment, procedures, and pre- and post-op specialty care Includes ìFast Facts in a Nutshellî feature to help guide the new nurse Pays special attention to the differences between CHD and manifestations of other heart disease states Pinpoints sensitive nursing indicators and ways to improve patient care

Dedicated and competent nurse preceptors are vital to the success of health care organizations and to the retention of nurses in the profession. Yet clinical teaching and supervision is a skill that must be developed; a knowledgeable and experienced practitioner does not automatically become a successful nurse preceptor. This pithy reference guide for nurses in the preceptor role is brimming with information about how to successfully educate, protect, socialize, and evaluate nurses transitioning into a new environment. In an easy-access, bulleted format, this resource helps preceptors to establish clinical objectives, execute evaluation and feedback techniques, identify role responsibilities, develop positive communication skills, and develop effective teaching/learning strategies. The guide addresses the qualities of a good preceptor, communication and delegation skills, and the importance of evidence-based practice for the preceptor role. It discusses how to prepare new nurses for the reality shock of entering a new arena, and how to recognize and help the preceptee who is struggling. Nurse preceptors will gain insight into how to assist preceptees in organizing their clinical day and prioritizing their responsibilities. From suggestions in conflict resolution and bullying to aids in developing critical thinking skills to advice on completing relevant documentation, this guide helps new nurse preceptors to provide a well-orchestrated orientation that will ensure a positive experience for novice nurses and the subsequent delivery of quality, patient-centered care. Sample competency forms and clinical tools add to the bookís utility, as well. Key Features: Delivers vital information on all aspects of successful nurse preceptorship in a concise, easy-access format Includes evidence-based content throughout Provides guidance on identifying and developing successful nurse preceptors Addresses organization, prioritization, delegation, effective communication, conflict resolution, and the development of critical thinking skills Offers key information on competency assessment and evaluations A special ìPreceptorís Problem Solverî chapter addresses clinical issues unique to the nurse preceptorís role

This quick-access resource delivers a practical orientation for the cath lab. For nurses with a background in cardiac care or intensive care, the cath lab is replete with new challenges and learning opportunities. It is an increasingly complex environment with increasingly challenging procedures. Most effectively run by an interdisciplinary team, all healthcare providers in the cath lab uphold different roles to contribute to patient care and achieve successful procedural outcomes. Fast Facts for the Cath Lab Nurse clearly presents the role of the nurse in the cath lab and how to assist with basic and advanced cath lab procedures. Written in a simple, easy-to-read format with streamlined, bulleted information, this orientation guide breaks down procedures and provides essential information for each step. Chapters cover interpreting pressure waveforms, understanding various calculations, identifying angiographic images, and more competently providing care to patients in the peri-procedural period. Key Features Provides tables, examples of common hemodynamic calculations, images of pressure waveforms and angiogram Begins each chapter with key learning objectives Provides a quick anatomy review Assists with Registered Cardiovascular invasive Specialist (RCIS) certification