MARCH 2002, VOL 7 5 , NO 3

group. The population attributable risk for the development of adult onset asthma was 18.2%.

Discussion. The finding of a population attributable risk of 18.2% for the development of occupational asthma did not differ from estimates of other studies. This indicates that an estimated 18.2% of occupational asthma cases could be prevented if expo- sure to the high-risk occupations1 industries was eliminated. Commonly reported exposures in both the probable and possible occupational asthma groups were to high molecular weight sub- stances, such as latex, biological enzymes, laboratory animal anti- gens, flour, and grain.

Additionally, the study found that health carelnursing was a high-risk industryloccupation for occupational asthma. These are important findings for periopera- tive personnel. Indeed, these find- ings could serve as an impetus for eliminating the risk of exposure to natural latex rubber by stimulating industry to develop newer, safer products and prompting health care administrators to incorporate these and nonlatex products into their facilities to eliminate the risk of occupational asthma.

GEORGE ALLEN RN, PHD, CNOR, CIC

NURSING RESEARCH COMMIITEE

BOOK REVIEWS

BAILLIERES NURSES' DICTIONARY, 23rd ed Edited by Barbara E Weller 2000, 61 6 pp $1 9.95 paperback

ursing reference tools always are a valuable resource N whether the user is a novice

or expert in the field. This book is a reference tool designed with many usefbl, quick tips and sug- gested resources for fiuther inves- tigation. The book is sized to fit

perfectly into a laboratory coat pocket or school bag or for easy use as a desk reference.

tions of a wide range of medical terms, a listing of Internet resources, nutrition facts and health tips, basic cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) instructions, medication standards, and unit measurement tables. The appen- dix offers information on current trends in nursing, including infor- mation technology, clinical gover- nance, and community care. Written in the United Kingdom and endorsed by the Royal College of Nursing, some of the material refers specifically to the United Kingdom; however, the basic principles remain the same.

Nursing is an ever-changing field requiring professional growth and development. The language changes, the environment changes, and nurses continue to pioneer new and adaptive ways to improve patient care. The dictionary por- tion of this reference is intended to serve as a guide to the language used in nursing today. The content of the book has changed through the years, and it now focuses on nursing interventions rather than obscure medical references.

Universal precautions, basic nutrition, CPR instruction, and the principles of medication adminis- tration are only a few of the topics addressed in this book. As a stu- dent in nursing or an expert nurse, this reference book would be ben- eficial for everyday use or for a quick review.

This book is available from Bailliere Tindall/Harcourt International, Foots Cray High St, Sidcup, Kent DA14 5HP, UK; http:llwww.harcourtintemational. com.

The contents include defini-

ANN BARTON RN, BS, CNOR

CENTEGRA HEALTH SYSTEM MCHENRYM~OODSTOCK, ILL

OR CLINICIAN, SURGICAL SERVICES

STYLE: TOWARD CLARITY AND GRACE, sixth ed By Joseph M. Williams 1 9 9 5 , 2 0 8 ~ ~ $12 paperback

his author revised a writing textbook to apply outside of the classroom. He provides

information in a how-to format and explains the process of revis- ing an initial draft of a paper into a polished version specifically crafted for its audience.

Through 10 chapters, the author explains principles used to diagnose causes of unclear writ- ing. He discusses how certain ele- ments of grammar detract from clarity, but he also notes when they can be used for a specific purpose. He cautions against using rigid rules. The author takes the reader through the process of rewriting sentences according to recommended principles.

Throughout the book, the author includes excerpts to high- light his principles, and these excerpts give the reader practice in applying the principles. He expands from the structure of sen- tences to their context. In short, sentences must connect. The author addresses the concept of logical flow of ideas and how it fits into the intent of the entire work.

Readers will appreciate the conversational style of the book, as the content can be complex (eg, norninalizations, preposition- al phrases, metadiscourse). Readers also will notice the dra- matic difference between prob- lematic paragraphs and the revised paragraphs, which are clear and succinct. The contrast gives heightened awareness to the importance of revisions.

Although the text suggests its value for aspiring writers, writers at any level would benefit from its wisdom. It illustrates various ways in which writing is unclear

657 AORN JOURNAL