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Doody's Review ServiceReviewer: Deborah A Spoerner, MSN, RN, CPNP (Purdue University School of Nursing)
Description: This practical, easy-to-read guide to interpreting ECGs reflects updates from the 2010 American Heart Association Guidelines for Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation and Emergency Cardiovascular Care and reviews basic cardiac anatomy and physiology, uses a straightforward approach to ECG identification, and discusses appropriate treatment options.
Purpose: According to the authors, the purpose is to explain what happens inside the heart when a dysrhythmia is seen and how to interpret dysrhythmias seen on a monitor or rhythm strip. Highlights include updated illustrations and materials, revised medication information, and updated information on pacemakers, ICDs, and AEDs. Since the 2009 edition, a companion CD with animation and 180 practice ECG strips has been added.
Audience: Although the book is intended for beginning students without a medical background, learners with some cardiac knowledge also could find it helpful as a review of dysrhythmias and treatment. It could be useful to beginning students, individuals with some medical knowledge, as well as those working in a cardiac specialty area. Concepts and materials presented in chapters 7 through 11 require a higher level of understanding and application of basic cardiac principles.
Features: The book follows a logical, step-by-step process for ECG interpretation. Case studies, color illustrations, crossword puzzles, word puzzles, flashcards, and practical examples are used throughout to reinforce the content covered in each chapter. Highlights of the book include the 22 case studies, an appendix with flashcards for dysrhythmia and medication review, color illustrations and materials, and the companion CD.
Assessment: This is a practical, easy-to-read guide for beginning students interested in learning how to interpret ECGs. The revised fourth edition is essential due to the recent updates in the guidelines for emergency cardiovascular care and changes established by the American Heart Association for advanced cardiac life support in 2011.