AUGUST 2005, VOL 82, NO 2 Reviews

Illegal Drugs: A Complete Guide to Their History, Chemistry, Use,

and Abuse Paul Gahlinger 2004, 456 pp $20 softcover

The author of this book believes that recreational drug use is inevitable. Lec- tures, penalties, and scare tactics have not changed the fact that some people like to alter their consciousness. His goal, therefore, is to use edu- cation to reduce the harmful effects of illegal drug use. The book presents a histori- cal perspective that begins with the discovery of drugs by the Neanderthal people and ends with current feder- al and state drug laws.

The author provides an easy-to-read section on the physiology of the brain and its reaction to chemicals. The book thoroughly covers dle- gal drugs with a chapter for every drug classification. Each chapter includes a histo- ry, a profile of who uses the drug, chemical characteristics, withdrawal signs, long-term health problems, and emer- gency care for overdose.

self-help resources, Internet sites that provide information about illegal drugs, and a list of drug abuse and treatment centers in the United States. A bibliography for each chapter is a valuable reference tool for

The book concludes with

\ readers who want more I- information

about iUegal drugs.

Penguin Group Inc, 375 Hudson Street, New York, NY, 10014.

This book is available from

NANCY KNAPP RN, MS, CNOR, CLNC

LIBERTY MUTUAL CHICAGO

NURSE CASE MANAGER

Transforming Nurses‘ Stress

and Anger: Steps Toward Healing

second ed Sandra P. Thomas

2004, 318 pp $36.95 softcover

There are many self-help books on the market today, but few specifically address current nursing practice.

are frustrated, stressed, and angry“ begins the first chap- ter, and the first section exam- ines why. Heavy workloads, feelings of powerlessness, and lack of respect and manageri- al support are discussed. The author explores the connec- tion of anger to illness and addiction. She also revisits the fairly recent history of nurs- ing economics. I found it diffi- cult, even painful, to read about the 1990s industrializa- tion of health care in the United States, but the author offers hope for the future with recommendations and steps for healing.

Part two focuses on con- necting with nurse colleagues and patients, starting as nurs- ing students and continuing with relationships with peers, supervisors, and patients. The author encourages nurses to stop horizontal violence and foster stronger relationships.

Part three helps nurses deal with an abusive past and begin self-healing. Nurses need to reflect on how they

This book’s auihor shares her extensive knowledge of the subject using a phe- nomenological approach Every chapter quotes nurses and tells their stories, giving this pub- lication credibility with its target audience. This second edition focuses primarily on section. the massive changes Part four in health care and social attitudes during the

challenges nurs- es to claim their -

past 10 years. The book i s divided into

four parts. “American nurses

power, solve their problems, and forge a positive future. Self-empowerment is the key

306 -AORN JOURNAL

Reviews AUGUST 2005, VOL 82, NO 1

to influence and control not only one's personal life but also the future of health care. Thirty pages of references at the end of the book provide resources for readers who wish to explore more about any of the topics.

This book is useful for any nursing professional, regard- less of gender or job descrip- tion. The first part of the book may help new graduates understand the frustration they see in senior nurses, but the book's greatest effect will be on nurses who have prac- ticed for more than a few years. Although the content is based heavily on research, it is very readable. It has a gen- erally hopeful and helpful tone throughout and offers extensive strategies for anger management.

This book is available from Springer Publishing Co, Inc, 536 Broadway, New York, NY

DONNA LAGUEUX RN, MSN, CNOR CLINICAL EDUCATOR

WINDHAM HOSPITAL WILUMANTIC, CONN

10012-3955.

Saunders Manual of Critical Care James A. Kruse, Mitchell R

fink, Richard W. Curfson 2003, 850 pp

$84.95 softcover

This book is designed for intensivists, emergency medi- cine physicians, and nurses involved in the management of critically ill patients. The

problems frequently encountered in the intensive care unit (ICU), pulmonary and

disorders, elec-

manual is writ- ten by three medical school professors who teach in the critical care settinn at trolvte and acid-base " major medical centers and also includes numerous con- tributors from different spe- cialties and professions, including nursing and phar- macy. The authors and con- tributors are knowledgeable and present their topics in a clear, concise manner. When there is no clear consensus on treatment options, more than one approach is offered.

The manual provides a review of symptoms and treat- ment options in an easy-to- read, outline format. Each chapter deals with a particular disorder, some common and some mfrequent, experienced by critically ill patients. At the end of each chapter, a bibliog- raphy directs readers who wish to explore the subject of the chapter in more detail.

The book is divided into sections that deal with the var- ious body systems. For exam- ple, the section on intra- abdominal disorders covers acute abdominal pain, acute pancreatitis, acute alcoholic hepatitis, fulminant hepatic faiIure, upper and lower gas- trointestinal hemorrhage, diar- rhea, and toxic megacolon. In each chapter, there is a listing of the common symptoms, eti- ology, common laboratory findings, imaging studies, dif- ferential diagnoses, treatment, and prognosis.

Some of the other subjects covered in the manual include

disturbances, neurolopc crises, infectious diseases, hematolog- ic problems, and surgical and traumatic conditions. The pharmacology section pro- vides common therapies, stan- dard doses, contraindications, medication interactions, and side effects for a wide variety of agents commonly used in the ICU. The section on moni- toring covers such subjects as hemodynamic and oxygen transport data; techruques for intravascular and intracranial pressure monitoring; blood gas and oximetry interpreta- tion; and mechanical ventila- tion, including chapters on positive pressure ventilation, oxygen therapy, and discon- tinuing mechanical ventilation.

The design of the book is practical for clinicians work- ing at the bedside of critically ill patients. Disorders are list- ed on the front inside cover, and medications, procedures, and monitoring are listed on the back inside cover. This allows readers to quickly locate the desired subject without thumbing through the entire volume.

Saunders, The Curtis Center, Independence Square West, Philadelphia, PA 19106

This book is available from

UALERIE HODGDON RN, CNOR

MAINE MEDICAL CENTER PORTLAND, ME

OR EDUCATION COORDINATOR

AORN JOURNAL 307