A Manual of Laboratory and Diagnostic Tests by Frances Talaska Fischbach, Marshall B. Dunning

From the Publisher

Now in its Eighth Edition, this leading comprehensive manual helps nurses deliver safe, effective, and informed care for patients undergoing diagnostic tests and procedures. The book covers a broad range of laboratory and diagnostic tests and studies that are delivered to varied patient populations in varied settings. Tests are grouped according to specimen and function/test type (e.g. blood, urine, stool, cerebrospinal fluid, etc.). Each test is described in detail, with step-by-step guidance on correct procedure, tips for accurate interpretation, and instructions for patient preparation and aftercare. Clinical Alerts highlight critical safety information. "Doody's Core Titles™ 2009."

Doody Review Services

Reviewer:Cherie G Howk, PhD, FNP-BC (Indiana State University)
Description:This book, now in its eighth edition, has been a resource for laboratory and diagnostic tests for the last three decades, providing valuable comprehensive information about most tests and procedures grouped according to specimen, function, and test type.
Purpose:The stated purpose is to promote the delivery of safe, effective, and informed care for patients undergoing diagnostic tests and procedures by providing this "unique resource." This is a compelling objective for healthcare, and the authors have provided the tools to achieve it.
Audience:The audience for this book includes clinicians, students, educators, and researchers. The editors are both educators in the areas of nursing, medicine, and physiology.
Features:The manual covers an extensive array of tests and studies for diverse populations. In addition to the usual reference values provided by most books, this one includes extensive clinical implications for increased values and decreased values. It also provides lists for interfering factors and interventions that include pretest and posttest education and care. The Clinical Alert flags are somewhat arbitrary in that not all clinical alerts are related to critical or dangerous values.
Assessment:This is the premier book for students and practitioners on laboratory diagnostics. It is the most complete and provides the most helpful data for use at the bedside. Other books and handouts can provide normal values, but few provide information that allows for consideration of differential diagnoses. The continualupdating of the manual provides confidence that the information is valid.

Product Details

• Table of Contents

Table of Contents