Suzanne M. Burns. Boston: Jones and Bartlett Publishers, 2006. $99.95. ISBN 0-7637-3825-5. 113 pp.
AACN Protocols for Practice: Noninvasive Monitoring describes practical evidence-based information that can serve as a reference for providing care during noninvasive patient monitoring. Five monitoring protocols are outlined: cardiac, respiratory waveform, end-tidal carbon dioxide, blood pressure, and pulse oximetry. Each protocol is introduced through the presentation of 1 or more case studies describing the use of the specific noninvasive monitoring device in a patient care situation. After the case study, a general description and the accuracy of the monitoring equipment are reviewed. Competencies of the nurse and areas for future research are described in detail. There was a sparse discussion of the ethical considerations in the use of only 1 of noninvasive monitoring device, pulse oximetry. Excellent illustrations for continuous airway pressure monitoring, mainstream and sidestream end-tidal carbon dioxide monitor, and pulse oximetry sensor placements are provided. There are numerous respiratory and end-tidal carbon dioxide waveforms that help to clarify the content. There is a discrepancy in chapter 1 between the text describing a 5-wire system and Figure 1.2, entitled as a 3-wire system.
The clinical recommendation tables are organized by selection of patient, application of device, and initial monitoring, ongoing monitoring, device removal, prevention of complications, and quality control issues. This table format allows for fast and easy retrieval of the clinical recommendations. All recommendations are referenced with the strength of the research evidence, which is rated from I to VI, with the lower level rating indicating that there is insufficient research to support recommendation. The studies referenced have excellent annotations that summarize the key points related to the noninvasive monitoring protocol. These annotations allow the reader to determine the strength of the studies and make decisions whether to include this information in their clinical practice.
AACN Protocols for Practice:Noninvasive Monitoring is well organized by using the same format in all 5 chapters for the individual discussion of each protocol. This book should not be used by itself but serves as an excellent resource for nurses, educators, students, and researchers in a variety of situations, including acute care, long-term care, educational facilities, or in the home.