BOOK REVIEWS

CURRENT DRUG HANDBOOK, 1966-68, by Mary Ip/. Falconer, R.N., M.A., H . Robert Patterson, B.S., M.S., Edward A . Gustafson, B.S., Pharm. D., W . R. Saunders Company, Philadelphia, 1966, 160 pages. Price $3.50. This is an excellent handbook containing spe- cific technical data on drugs currently used. The author did not intend this to be a text but rather a supplement to be used with a text on drugs and solutions.

The simplicity of the format makes it ideal as a quick reference. It is written in tabular form. This allows one to grasp all the perti- nent facts at a glance.

The drugs are grouped in types rather than alphabetical order which gives one an oppor- tunity for comparison of different drugs used for a specific condition.

The page is divided into six columns, for quick information: (1) name of drug-generic, major trade

name, source of drug, active principles and the designation U.S.P. or N.F. if applicable.

(2) dosage, methods of administration and times of administration if the drug is usu- ally given at a definite time,

( 3 ) major uses, (4) states the action of the drug so far as this

(5) describes the toxicity, side effects, contra- is known,

indications, and when applicable, the treat- ment of these,

(6) the last column is for remarks which in- cludes information not covered in the oth- ers.

MARY R. WILSON, R.N. Dallas, Texas

ATLAS OF SURGICAL OPERATIONS, VOL. I1 by Robert M . Zollinger, M.D., and Robert M . Zollinger, Jr., M.D., The Macmillan Co. Collier-Macmillan Limited, New York & Lon- don, 1967,189 pp. Price $20.00. In this second volume, Drs. Zollinger present in text and illustrations some of the more complicated surgical procedures which are being performed more and more frequently. It should prove a handy reference text for every operating room nurse and technician. The illustrations are so clear and explicit that plans for patient care while in the OR should be simplified after referring to such a text as this.

Though most of the illustrations are not in color, differing tissues and textures are easily ascertained due to the skill of the artist. One can almost feel the striations in muscle and the lumpiness of omental fat.

Included in the appendix is a most useful

Continued on page 158

January 1968 155

CARE OF THE PATIENT IN SURGERY

Including Techniques

The "classic" nursing reference Completely revised and expanded New chapters on ophthalmic surgery and surgery on the ear 555 black and white Illustra- tions and 5 In color

New 4th Edition I \ Shafer-Sawyer-McClurkey-Bedc

M EDICAL-SURGICAL NURSING

Most authoritative single source

illustrated 2-color

Continued from page 155

treatise on thoracic and pulmonary anatomy. The text throughout describes the indications for the surgical procedure, preoperative prep- aration, anesthesia of choice, position of the patient, operative preparation, area of incision and exposure, and details of the procedure.

This would seem to belong on the library shelf in almost any operating room.

LORA CRAIG, R.N. Winter Park, Florida

PRINCIPLES OF ANESTHESIOLOGY by Vincent J. Collins, 1175 pages, Lea and Febig- er, Philadelphia, Pa. Price $35.00. Although this text was primarily designed for students of anesthesia it is ready reference for all teaching situations which concern the patient in the operating room. It is basically an introduction to anesthesiology: A second volume, The Practice of Anesthesiology will deal with the 'what to do' and 'when to do it' phases.

The organization of the book is one of its outstanding features. A short but concise his- tory of anesthesia gives the book its firm foundation. It is divided into four sections: Fundamentals, Regional Anesthesia, Physio- logical Considerations and Pharmacology of Anesthestic Drugs. Numerous photographs, prints, illustrations and graphs are presented throughout the entire text.

The student of anesthesia, physician or nurse, will benefit most from the text. It is thorough and complete, yet simply worded without compromising facts and information. The student will gain much from the basic fundamentals of techniques, anatomy and physiology, types of anesthesia and inhala- tion and respiration. In addition to all of these basics, a sound knowledge of records and mortality and medical-legal considera- tions are presented.

A chapter on anesthetic equipment and its maintenance is particularly enlightening. Un-

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158 AORN Journal