Electrocardiography. 5th ed.
Mosby's Pocket Guide Series. Mary Boudreau Conover, St. Louis, Mo: Mosby: 2004.
337 pages; $26.95.
This pocket sized reference is composed of 31 chapters--each devoted to a different aspect of electrocardiography (ECG). Each chapter is relatively short and packed with easy-to-use reference information and illustrations. As with previous books by Conover, this volume provides the appropriate level of information for the target audience.
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Electrocardiography begins with the basics of monitoring and 12-lead ECG placement; then proceeds through the normal cardiac electrical information and mechanisms of arrhythmias. The classic information of ECG analysis is addressed, that is, systematic evaluation of waveforms and determination of axis.
The arrhythmia sections are devoted to single topics such as atrial fibrillation and flutter and continue on to ventricular ectopy. Topics of interest to anyone evaluating ECG rhythms are included, such as aberration versus ectopy, drug-and electrolyte-induced changes, and specific changes that can be expected in the athlete or during cardiac-related conditions. Additions to this edition are The Athlete's ECG, Congenital Long QT Syndrome, and Brugada Syndrome.
This book would be of value to anyone needing a quick reference at hand, whether he or she is working in a cardiac unit and sees frequent challenging arrhythmias, or is a less sophisticated user needing a helpful resource.
Electrocardiography is not a reference for in-depth analysis; there are many resources available on the market for that purpose. This is the quick reference, something that can be carried in the pocket of a scrub jacket or lab coat, and that will assist in the immediate analysis of ECG rhythms. It will be as helpful for the nurse or monitor technician new to the world of ECG analysis as to the advanced practitioner needing a teaching tool. For example, each arrhythmia analysis section includes a rhythm strip with a brief description, ECG recognition criteria, the mechanism of the arrhythmia (including illustrations as appropriate), clinical implications, emergency and long-term treatment, and patient education requirements. Additional information that would have been helpful is the documentation and additional monitoring requirements.
Reviewed by Linda Bell, RN, MSN
Linda Bell is a Clinical Practice Specialist at the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses in Aliso Viejo, Calif.
COPYRIGHT 2004 American Association of Critical-Care Nurses
COPYRIGHT 2004 Gale Group
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