The book "Handbook of Oncologic Emergencies and Urgencies in Acute Care Nursing" serves as an invaluable resource for nurses navigating the complex challenges of acute cancer care. This comprehensive guide, authored by Margaret Byar, MSN, is specifically designed to equip nurses with the knowledge and skills necessary to promptly identify, assess, and manage oncologic emergencies and urgencies. In the fast-paced environment of acute care settings, timely intervention is paramount for improving patient outcomes.
The handbook covers a wide spectrum of critical conditions that cancer patients may encounter, ranging from metabolic imbalances like hypercalcemia and tumor lysis syndrome to hematologic crises such as neutropenic fever and disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC). Neurologic emergencies, including spinal cord compression and increased intracranial pressure, are also thoroughly addressed, providing nurses with clear guidelines for immediate action. Furthermore, respiratory and cardiovascular complications, often life-threatening, receive dedicated attention, emphasizing the importance of rapid recognition and evidence-based interventions.
What sets this book apart is its practical, user-friendly approach. Each chapter is structured to facilitate quick access to essential information, making it an ideal companion for busy clinicians in emergency departments, intensive care units, and general medical-surgical floors. The content is presented in a concise manner, focusing on the clinical signs, diagnostic pathways, and management strategies that nurses need to know at the bedside. Crucially, the book integrates the latest evidence-based practices, ensuring that nurses are well-informed about the most effective and current care protocols.
Beyond the immediate management of acute crises, the handbook also delves into important aspects of holistic patient care. It includes discussions on pain management, symptom control, and psychosocial support, acknowledging the multifaceted needs of cancer patients during acute events. Special emphasis is placed on palliative care and end-of-life considerations, guiding nurses in providing compassionate and dignified care when curative treatments are no longer an option. This holistic perspective underscores the book''s commitment to empowering nurses to provide comprehensive care that extends beyond the immediate physical symptoms.
The book is an essential tool for both experienced oncology nurses seeking to refine their expertise and new graduates entering the challenging field of cancer care. It serves as a reliable reference for understanding the pathophysiology of oncologic emergencies, honing assessment skills, and implementing appropriate interventions. With its clear, concise, and clinically relevant content, "Handbook of Oncologic Emergencies and Urgencies in Acute Care Nursing" empowers nurses to deliver high-quality, life-saving care to cancer patients in their most vulnerable moments. The ISBN 9780826144850 further solidifies its identity as a recognized resource in medical literature.