Customer Reviews

Practice Guidelines for Acute Care Nurse Practitioners

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Some of the information contained in this manual is helpful and informative - but I also noted some marked errors. (I'm not that smart and don't pretend to be, but some of these errors are common knowledge.)
However, these discrepancies are significant in that anyone following some of these outdated guidelines could actually do much more harm than help - and in situations where the condition isn't frequently encountered - well, that's EXACTLY when someone would consult this book.
For example - in the section on toxicity - specifically theophylline toxicity, page 824-5, the guidelines are more than just plain wrong (according to some famous and well respected toxicologists and ED MDs) but would actually prevent the patient from receiving prompt and lifesaving treatment. While acute theophylline toxicity is not especially common anymore; it can be a severe, life-threatening event. In severe toxicity, emergent dialysis and potassium replacement are urgently needed, not syrup of ipecac. Syrup of ipecac/ activated charcoal is worse than useless - (since toxicity causes violent, repeated emesis- it actually exacerbates the severe hypokalemia that characterizes theophylline toxicity*.) But this is just an example of why this book REALLY needs revision and updating.
In addition - the sources listed for this section of the text show an inadequate research base for the information provided - there is not one text that refers to toxicology, or specific aspects of the toxicity related to this particular medication. It's just a nonspecific application of general treatment of most toxicities - using a basic Internal Medicine primer (used primarily by med students) and another general source. I would expect better references and resources to be used in a book like this - which serves as a resource to healthcare providers to treat people!
Without revision, it of little use to healthcare providers because information may or may not be trustworthy. Who has time to go through the entire book to see if the information provided meets national standards for treatment? If we had that sort of time, we wouldn't be purchasing this book.

*Note* I am happy to provide a list of references for all information relating to the pharmacology, and treatment of theophylline toxicity, and toxicology resources which served as a basis for these comments.

This text book was easy to read and follow. It also makes a great quick reference because of the format that it is presented in.

This was the first source I went to with any clinical question throughout my acute care nurse practitioner program. The information is succinct and summarizes guidelines well. Most chapters follow an outline format that makes information really easy to find. I plan on keeping it close through this first year after graduation.

Great Book! Very detailed with lots of valuable information. I've found it extremely useful once you get the hang of it. Highly recommend it.

I used this book in my MSN-ACNP course and it provided the backbone of what I needed to know. I would base my readings in other texts on the information included in the Barkley text.

The only drawback with the new edition is the spiral binding; it makes it difficult to use at times. However, the information is what is important!

I used this book in my acute care program. It is a great book, easy to understand and apply to patient care!!! This book is a must if you are planning to be an acute care nurse practitioner!!!!

The best compilation of information for differential diagnosis for acute care nurse practitioners. Easy to read and follow. Great for preparing for boards as well. I keep this close to me always. Great reference for ACNP and adult NPs as well.

This is by far the best and most concise guide created specifically for the Acute Care Nurse Practitioner. I highly recommend it and the classes held by Dr. Barkley.