The Merck Manual of Geriatrics
2
MARCH 2001, VOL 73, NO 3 letter, and revision letter, along with a helpful translation of proofreading marks commonly used by editors. Copyright poli- cies, permissions, and photograph release procedures are explained in easily understood language. The book also refers to online journals as a new media format for prospective authors. The book lists samples of journals available online, some of which are unique and imaginative. “Personal experience, observa- tions, and analysis qualify nurses to share their knowledge,” says the author. Some reasons nurses are reluctant to publish include false modesty, lack of time, and inadequate training in writing skills. The quality and range of nursing publications, however, has increased dramatically through the years. In this book, the author presents the correct pathways for nurses to share their knowledge through publication. This book is available from Sage Publications, Inc, 2455 Teller Rd, Thousand Oaks, CA 9 1320; http://www.sagepub.com. HOLLY J. BUCHANAN RN, CNOR COOK CHILDREN’S MEDICAL CENTER FT WORTH, TEX STAFF NURSE THE MERCK MANUAL OF GERIATRICS, third ed By Mark H. Beers, Robert Berkow, eds 2000,1507pp $32 .SO hardback his is the third edition of this manual, and it continues to T provide relevant information concerning geriatric care. To pro- vide the best geriatric care requires a large base of informa- tion, including knowledge of internal medicine, pharmacology, dermatology, rehabilitation medi- cine, psychiatry, and other topics relevant to the geriatric popula- tion. This manual discusses the need for a multidisciplinary team approach when caring for the older adult population. The manu- al also discusses the need for edu- cation of both the patient and the caregiver. Geriatrics and gerontol- ogy continue to be a fertile ground for research, and this man- ual provides readers with recent research in this field. The list of authors and contributors is exten- sive, with many professional spe- cialties represented. The manual addresses aspects of prevention, cure or control of disease, and palliative care, including care of the dying. The manual is divided into 16 sections, four appendices, and an index. In the table of contents, the reader can find individual chap- ters that relate to the topic of each section. Thumb tabs with appro- priate abbreviations mark each section and the index. Each sec- tion begins with its own table of contents and lists chapters and subchapters of that section. The index contains many cross entries; page numbers in bold- face type signify major discus- sions of particular topics. Running heads place section numbers and titles on the left- hand pages and chapter numbers and titles on the right-hand pages. The manual provides a list of abbreviations and symbols at the beginning to ensure that the read- er is able to find information easi- ly. Laboratory values are given in conventional units. Medications are designated in the text by generic names. Appendix IlI pro- vides an alphabetical listing of many medications with each generic term followed by one or more trade names. Each chapter includes a description of the disease being presented. The authors use suc- cinct writing styles. The chapters then describe the etiology, epi- demiology, and pathology of the disease process. Signs and symp- toms are listed, along with a clear, concise explanation of how a diagnosis is made. In some chapters, this includes a list of differential diagnoses. The physi- cal examination is described suc- cinctly but with full detail. Laboratory evaluations are pro- vided. Treatment plans include nonpharmacologic measures, where appropriate, and pharma- cotherapy, including an explana- tion of the various medications and usual recommended dosages. Throughout the manual, readers will fiid tables, figures, and graphs to aid in understanding the concepts presented. The manual begins with sec- tion one, “Basics of Geriatric Care.” In the fiist chapter, the edi- tors review the normal aging process and the success of healthy aging. The authors review the demographics of the American population using charts and describe the factors that influence longevity. They review the theo- ries of aging concisely and thor- oughly. They also describe the diseases that accelerate the aging process. This section also presents world demographics and explains how this information relates to health care throughout the world. This section discusses the history and physical examinations appro- priate for the geriatric population, with a complete review of body and organ systems. Additionally, unusual presentations of illness that occur in this population are 711 AORN JOURNAL
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Transcript of The Merck Manual of Geriatrics
MARCH 2001, VOL 73, NO 3
letter, and revision letter, along with a helpful translation of proofreading marks commonly used by editors. Copyright poli- cies, permissions, and photograph release procedures are explained in easily understood language. The book also refers to online journals as a new media format for prospective authors. The book lists samples of journals available online, some of which are unique and imaginative.
“Personal experience, observa- tions, and analysis qualify nurses to share their knowledge,” says the author. Some reasons nurses are reluctant to publish include false modesty, lack of time, and inadequate training in writing skills. The quality and range of nursing publications, however, has increased dramatically through the years. In this book, the author presents the correct pathways for nurses to share their knowledge through publication.
This book is available from Sage Publications, Inc, 2455 Teller Rd, Thousand Oaks, CA 9 1320; http://www.sagepub.com.
HOLLY J. BUCHANAN RN, CNOR
COOK CHILDREN’S MEDICAL CENTER FT WORTH, TEX
STAFF NURSE
THE MERCK MANUAL OF GERIATRICS, third ed By Mark H . Beers, Robert Berkow, eds 2000,1507pp $32 .SO hardback
his is the third edition of this manual, and it continues to T provide relevant information
concerning geriatric care. To pro- vide the best geriatric care requires a large base of informa- tion, including knowledge of
internal medicine, pharmacology, dermatology, rehabilitation medi- cine, psychiatry, and other topics relevant to the geriatric popula- tion. This manual discusses the need for a multidisciplinary team approach when caring for the older adult population. The manu- al also discusses the need for edu- cation of both the patient and the caregiver. Geriatrics and gerontol- ogy continue to be a fertile ground for research, and this man- ual provides readers with recent research in this field. The list of authors and contributors is exten- sive, with many professional spe- cialties represented. The manual addresses aspects of prevention, cure or control of disease, and palliative care, including care of the dying.
The manual is divided into 16 sections, four appendices, and an index. In the table of contents, the reader can find individual chap- ters that relate to the topic of each section. Thumb tabs with appro- priate abbreviations mark each section and the index. Each sec- tion begins with its own table of contents and lists chapters and subchapters of that section. The index contains many cross entries; page numbers in bold- face type signify major discus- sions of particular topics. Running heads place section numbers and titles on the left- hand pages and chapter numbers and titles on the right-hand pages. The manual provides a list of abbreviations and symbols at the beginning to ensure that the read- er is able to find information easi- ly. Laboratory values are given in conventional units. Medications are designated in the text by generic names. Appendix IlI pro- vides an alphabetical listing of many medications with each
generic term followed by one or more trade names.
Each chapter includes a description of the disease being presented. The authors use suc- cinct writing styles. The chapters then describe the etiology, epi- demiology, and pathology of the disease process. Signs and symp- toms are listed, along with a clear, concise explanation of how a diagnosis is made. In some chapters, this includes a list of differential diagnoses. The physi- cal examination is described suc- cinctly but with full detail. Laboratory evaluations are pro- vided. Treatment plans include nonpharmacologic measures, where appropriate, and pharma- cotherapy, including an explana- tion of the various medications and usual recommended dosages. Throughout the manual, readers will fiid tables, figures, and graphs to aid in understanding the concepts presented.
The manual begins with sec- tion one, “Basics of Geriatric Care.” In the fiist chapter, the edi- tors review the normal aging process and the success of healthy aging. The authors review the demographics of the American population using charts and describe the factors that influence longevity. They review the theo- ries of aging concisely and thor- oughly. They also describe the diseases that accelerate the aging process. This section also presents world demographics and explains how this information relates to health care throughout the world. This section discusses the history and physical examinations appro- priate for the geriatric population, with a complete review of body and organ systems. Additionally, unusual presentations of illness that occur in this population are
711 AORN JOURNAL
MARCH 2001, VOL 73, NO 3
addressed. This section also describes how a geriatric interdis- ciplinary team can collectively set goals and share resources and responsibilities when caring for older adult patients. Falls, frac- tures, and injuries; surgery and rehabilitation; pulmonary disor- ders; cardiovascular disorders; gastrointestinal disorders; and infectious diseases are a few of the subjects addressed.
Life expectancy increased dra-
matically during the twentieth century and will continue to increase throughout the twenty- first century. Due to the aging of our population, a manual with information and discussion of geriatric health care needs is appropriate for all health care professionals. This manual is a comprehensive collection of dis- ease processes that affect older adults. Information presented should prove useful for health
care providers in providing quali- ty patient outcomes for the older adult population.
This book is available from Merck Research Laboratories, PO Box 4, BLA-14, West Point, PA 19846-0004; (610) 397-2345.
J A N I C E STEVENS
FAMILY NURSE PRACTITIONER
VETERANS AFFAIRS MEDICAL
RN, FNP, ARNP-CS, CNOR
AND REGIONAL OFFICE CENTER
WICHITA, K IN
Tips Help Consumers and Patients Considering Lipoplasty The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery has released tips to help consumers deter- mine if lipoplasty is a valid option, according to a Jan 9, 2001, news release from the organization. Getting in shape requires major lifestyle changes, including reducing food intake, choosing healthier foods, and sticking to an exercise routine. The fol- lowing tips can help consumers decide whether lipoplasty is a better option.
Have you tried diet-and exercise? A healthy, bal- anced diet and regular exercise are the first choices to improve fitness. If these methods fail, lipoplasty may be the answer. Is your weight within the normal range? Lipoplasty contours the body and is not a method for overall weight reduction. Ideal candidates should not be over 15% of their ideal body weight. Do you plan to lose or gain weight in the future? Current weight and future plans must be taken into consideration. Those who plan to lose a sig- nificant amount of weight should do so before surgery. Are you generally in good health? Share infor- mation with your plastic surgeon. Your plastic surgeon likely will consult your personal physi- cian if you have preexisting conditions to deter- mine if you should undergo surgery. Is your excess fat in specific areas. such as “sad- dlebags,” “love handles” around the waist, or extra padding on the hips? If so, you may be a good candidate for lipoplasty. Localized fat
deposits are resistant to diet and exercise. Lipoplasty of these areas can help you achieve a smoother contour. How elastic is your skin? Patients with good skin tone will obtain the best results with lipoplasty. Patients with diminished skin tone may require a skin tightening procedure, either alone or com- bined with lipoplasty. Do you have cellulite? Lipoplasty is not an effec- tive treatment for cellulite. Plastic surgeons may recommend alternative treatments for cellulite to be used alone or in conjunction with lipoplasty. Currently, there is no objectively proven method for removing cellulite. Can you take sufficient time for recovery? The amount of time required to recover from lipoplasty varies depending on individual healing characteristics and the extent of the procedure. It typically takes one to two weeks before you can return to normal activity. Can you maintain your new body contour? Far cells removed by lipoplasty are gone permanent- ly. Lipoplasty will not, however, prevent future weight gain if you overeat or fail to exercise. Before undergoing lipoplasty, make a firm com- mitment to a healthier lifestyle.
Lipoplasty Versus Dieting: Which Should You Choose? 10 Consumer l ips From the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (news release, New York: The American Socieiy for Aesthetic Plastic Surgety, Jon 9, 200 7 ) 1-2, h l p : / W . newsdesk. corn (accessed 15 Jan 200 7).
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