The ECG in Emergency Decision Making by Hein J. J. Wellens, Mary Boudreau Conover, Mary Conover

From the Publisher

Offering step-by-step instructions, this text describes how to use 12-lead electrocardiograms (ECGs) to make rapid and informed decisions in emergencies. It shows how to recognize the underlying mechanism of a cardiac emergency, its significance, and the best treatment. A brief outline of these steps is followed by complete, in-depth coverage.

• Summary boxes at the beginning of chapters give a step-by-step guide of emergency approaches
• Clear, consistent writing and organization
• Reflects the latest American Heart Association guidelines
• Perforated decision making cards at the end of the book (various emergency situations) can be used for quick access in the clinical setting
• Established, well-respected authors provide cutting-edge info that practitioners can trust
• Reviewed by a consulting board of nationally recognized experts in the specialty area of ECG

• Information on using the ST deviation vector in acute myocardial infarction to localize the site of occlusion in the coronary artery and thereby the site and size of the area at risk.
  
• How to risk stratify and treat patients with acute coronary syndromes showing ST segment depression.
  
• Noninvasive measures to determine the site of atrioventricular block.
  
• A guide to prehospital screening for patients with chest pain.
  
• The ECG features of myocardial infarction in patients with an acute myocardial infarction AND a left bundle branch block.
  
• New information on monogenic diseases leading to cardiac arrhythmias.
  
• Perforated decision-making cards for quick access in the emergency setting.

Doody Review Services

Reviewer:Karen S Yehle, PhD, MS, ACNS-BC (Purdue University School of Nursing)
Description:This is an update of a book that uses a systematic assessment of the 12-lead ECG and is thorough and detailed in its approach. The previous edition was published in 1992.
Purpose:According to the authors, the book is meant to serve as a "quick and ready guide to health care professionals familiar with the basics of electrocardiography." The book provides detailed yet concise steps related to decision-making in emergency situations where analysis of the 12-lead ECG is crucial. The book meets these objectives in a logical, analytical manner.
Audience:This is not intended for a novice in 12-lead ECG interpretation. Healthcare professionals with experience in ECG analysis will find that the book is written for them, since the authors assume an understanding by the reader of basic ECG interpretation.
Features:The authors address not only the emergency response to many arrhythmias but provide an extremely detailed response and analysis of early recognition of MI and reperfusion strategies. Additionally, step-by-step emergency approaches are provided related to digitalis toxicity, hyperkalemia, and hypokalemia. The ECG related to pulmonary embolism and hypothermia is also included, a unique feature of this book. Detachable cards for quick reference are provided at the back of the book. Each chapter begins with a summary box related to emergency decisions, emergency response, or emergency approach. One shortcoming is the lack of color in the ECG strips used in each chapter. Other positive features are the end of chaptersummaries and the references provided at the conclusion of each chapter. The index is also quite complete and easy to use.
Assessment:This book is a useful way to increase one's knowledge of the 12-lead ECG in emergency decision-making. It makes a good reference book, as it is detailed and thorough, with updates from the previous edition. It could also be incorporated in a critical care course for healthcare providers as it is a high quality text.

Rating

3 Stars from Doody

Product Details

• Table of Contents

Table of Contents