Mosby's Diagnostic and Laboratory Test Reference

AORN Journal,  Sept, 2007  by Jodi Frydendall

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Mosby's Diagnostic and Laboratory Test Reference eighth edition Kathleen D. Pagana and Timothy J. Pagana 2007; 1,120 pages $:39.95 softcover

Nurses are responsible for knowing about a vast number of diagnostic tests, whether they are tests performed in the laboratory, radiology department, outpatient clinic, or surgery. This book assists with fulfilling that responsibility because it contains information about all the tests that are performed in these areas. The book is written by a physician and a nurse, so readers get a combination of information from both perspectives. In addition, the tests and procedures listed in the book are organized in alphabetical order, making it very easy to find a particular test or procedure. Further minimizing confusion, information for each test is organized in the same format throughout the book using the following headings:

* Type of Test,

* Normal Findings,

* Test Explanation and Physiology,

* Interfering Factors,

* Procedure and Patient Care,

* Abnormal Findings, and

* Notes.

[ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

As an RN, I found this reference book very informative. Novice nurses and veterans alike do not know all the important patient information for every test. This book provides patient counseling information and, in some cases, illustrations that help explain the testing that will be involved. In the event that the reader is the one performing the test, the book includes very detailed information on exactly what supplies to use and how much of a specimen is required.

Especially interesting is the normal and abnormal findings section, which gives readers an idea of the possible outcomes for a patient. For each test, there also is an area left for writing notes; this additional space is extremely useful for writing in anything extra that needs to be remembered--for example, what is considered the normal range for test results in the hospital.

When physicians write orders, they generally use abbreviations; this book includes a quick and easy reference on abbreviations inside the front and back covers, saving readers time when trying to decipher what has been ordered. In addition, there are four appendices that offer information readers may find very useful often making it unnecessary for them to consult other references. These appendices include

* a list of tests by body systems,

* a list of tests by type,

* disease and organ panels, and

* symbols and units of measure.

Nurses learn most of what they know on the job. With this book, nurses are able to increase their knowledge base about specific tests by reading a few short pages.

Overall, the book is a very easy-to-read and useful reference for nurses at various levels of experience, and it is applicable to those who work in different areas of specialization. It is well organized, and the format allows readers to find information in a fast and efficient manner. I would recommend this book to any nurse who wants a concise reference guide on diagnostic and laboratory tests.

This book is available from Mosby, 11830 Westline Industrial Dr, St Louis, MO 63146.

JODI FRYDENDALL

RN

OPERATING ROOM MANAGER

SMITH COUNTY MEMORIAL HOSPITAL

SMITH CENTER, KS

COPYRIGHT 2007 Association of Operating Room Nurses, Inc.
COPYRIGHT 2008 Gale, Cengage Learning