Nurses' Guide to Clinical Procedures, 6th Edition, is a quick-reference clinical-support tool designed to serve students in all types of educational programs and practicing nurses in any clinical setting. A reliable clinical reference tool for almost two decades, the resource explains the key steps necessary to perform nursing skills as well as provides cues to the critical thinking needed for client care.
A detailed Table of Contents and Index are provided for easy reference to procedures. This guide contains information on over 200 skills performed in various clinical nursing settings and is organized such that procedures basic to nurse and client safety and communication are included in the first two chapters. The procedures within the 13 chapters of Nurses' Guide to Clinical Procedures are organized in a nursing process format, with procedures and a chapter overview listed at the beginning of each chapter for convenience. Chapter overviews review basic principles and concepts, including general delegation guidelines. A list of potential nursing diagnoses accompanies each procedure. Nursing procedures are organized as follows:
Actions are presented concisely, with clear illustrations to assist the user. Standard precautions are considered whenever applicable. A pictogram next to the procedure title indicates that gloves should be worn.
Nursing procedures have been organized to facilitate safe, expedient performance. Nurses' Guide to Clinical Procedures should be used as a clinical reference; it is not intended for initial instruction of nursing procedures. The user should review principles in the chapter overview before proceeding to the nursing procedures. Procedures should be read in their entirety to ensure that all relevant health care matters are considered during performance. Narrative documentation format has been used for charting examples, although many other forms of documentation may be used in the clinical setting. Illustrations, tables, and appendices provide further support. Users should refer to these aids as well as to related nursing procedures, as needed.
Jean Smith-Temple, DNS, RN
Joyce Young Johnson, PhD, RN, CCRN