Principles and Techniques of Patient Care, 3d ed.

Pierson FM, Fairchild SL. St Louis, MO 63146, Saunders, 2002, spiralbound, 384 pp, illus, ISBN: 0-7216-9379-2, $52.95.

Principles (and Techniques of Patients Care is a very clear presentation of fundamental knowledge and procedures involved in patient care.

One chapter details procedures for assessment of vital signs and includes instructions for measurement of pulse, temperature, blood pressure, and respiration rate; normal and abnormal ranges for these vital signs; and information on factors that would cause normal or abnormal changes in the vital signs. The inclusion of assessment of pain as a fifth vital sign is new to this chapter.

The heart of the book is the chapters that give very specific step-by-step instructions on procedures of patient care, including chapters on body mechanics, positioning and draping, basic exercise, transfer activities, and wheelchair activities (chapters 4-8). The chapter on ambulation (chapter 9) is especially interesting because it includes detailed information on choosing and fitting ambulation aids, gait patterns, and performance of functional activities such as navigating stairs and ramps.

The chapter on wound care (chapter 11) is new. It provides information on the assessment of vascular status and wounds and on the basic principles of wound care. The chapter includes methods of girth measurement and the use of pressure garments and intermittent compression pumps for treatment of swelling.

The chapter on infection control (chapter 2) is also new. This chapter includes information on basic concepts, such as standard and transmission-based precautions, as well as step-by-step instructions for procedures such as hand washing and use of protective garments.

Each chapter begins with a list of objectives and definitions of key terms. This helps to make the book accessible for beginners. Key information is highlighted and summarized in tables and boxes. Procedures are given in step-by-step format, most often accompanied by photographs illustrating each step. The photographs in the chapter on wheelchair activities (chapter 8) are especially helpful.

The information presented in the third edition of Principles and Techniques of Patient Care is extensive, very, well presented, and up to date. The main audience would be students in allied health care professions or nursing. It would also be helpful for an experienced clinician in need of review and update of these topics.

Catherine Walls, PT, OCS 

Mount Auburn Physical Therapy Associates

Watertown, Mass

Ms Walls specializes in the management of patients with orthopedic disorders. She also is an instructor at the Lasell College Physical Therapist Assistant Program where she teaches kinesiology and orthopedics.