Clinical Manual for the Oncology Advanced Practice Nurse (Second Edition). Camp-Sorrell, D., & Hawkins, R. A. (Eds.). Pittsburgh, PA: Oncology Nursing Society, 2006.

This book is an excellent clinical guide not only for the oncology advanced practice nurse (APN) but also for APNs working for adult and family health. It is extensive and comprehensive, but its outline format allows for quick and easy referencing. No less than 44 contributing authors and 2 editors wrote the book. The authors and editors come from all over the country and, clearly, have tremendous expertise in oncology.

The book is divided by system as follows: head and neck, integumentary, respiratory, cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, genitourinary, musculoskeletal, lymphatic, hematologic, neurologic, and metabolic. Within each section are short, concise chapters on conditions/diagnoses common to oncology patients. Sample chapters include skin metastasis, lymphedema, and neutropenia. However, the information within the majority of the chapters could be applied to nononcology patients, such as the chapters on herpes zoster, otitis media, urinary incontinence, and headache. Specifics relating to the oncology patients are added.

Every chapter includes the definition of the condition/disease followed by a brief outline describing the physiology and pathophysiology of the condition/disease, clinical features, etiology, history, signs and symptoms, physical examination, diagnostic tests, differential diagnoses, treatment, follow-up, patient education, and suggested referrals. Current references are included at the end of each chapter.

This book makes it easy for the APN to quickly locate a condition or a disease, review the pertinent points regarding it, and proceed with the history, physical examination, and treatment of the patient. I consider it to be an invaluable tool and highly recommend it to both oncology APNs and other APNs working for adult or family health.

Leslie Neal-Boylan, PhD, RN, CRRN, FNP-C

You can reach Leslie at [email protected] (e-mail).