JULY 1995. VOL 62, NO 1

rates, or time spent in the prcop- erative holding area.

Perioperative nursing impll- cations. Listening to music could serve as a coping mechanism for patients, allowing them to decrease stress during the wait- ing period immediately before surgery. The study is limited by the small sample size and the inclusion of only one gender. The study findings are signifi- cant, however, because they build upon and support previous perioperative nursing research findings. Future studies should include a more diverse sample and evaluate the music interven- tion in all phases of patients’ pcrioperative experiences. Stud- ies are needed to evaluate the cffect of this nursing intervention on patients’ nceds for medication during the preoperative and intra- operative phases of care.

DONNA S. WATSON RN, MSN, CNOR

NURSING RESEARCH COMMITTEE

R O O K REVIEWS

GOlNG UNDER: PREPARING YOURSELF FOR ANESTHESIA By Monica Winefr-yclr Furlong, Elliot Essmun 1994,190 pp $12.95 puperback

nduction under anesthesia means more than just trusting physicians to do a competent

job; it can be one of the most terri- fying experiences a person can go through. One’s attitude and level of knowledge about anesthesia and pain control often is the key to a successful surgery and a speedy recovery.

This book provides general information and is designed to inform people who have no med-

ical training about anesthesia and postoperative pain control. Each chapter is short and easy to read. Various types of anesthesia and pain control methods are explained.

Patients need to take control of their surgical experiences by becoming educated consumers. This book provides patients with a basic background for formalizing questions regarding their surgical experiences. Patients should par- ticipate in their own care rather than just “letting things happen.” The book also discusses anesthe- sia for children and anesthesia used in childbirth. Relaxation and mind focusing techniques also are explored.

This book is well written and easy to understand. It is geared toward providing patients with the knowledge to ask appropriate questions of their health care providers.

This book is available from Autonomy Publishing Corp, SO1 E 87th St, Suite 15B, New York, N Y 10128; (800) 247-6553.

KAREN RICHARDSON RN, BSN, CNOR

JOHN 1. MATHER MEMORIAL HOSPITAL PORT JEFFERSON, NY

STAFF NURSE

WOMEN’S HEALTH AND DEVELOPMENT By Beverly J . McElrnurry e f (11 1993,303 pp $47.50 hurdcover

his book presents a global perspective on women’s health and development

through a series of reports from the global network of the World Health Organization (WHO) Nursing Collaboration Centres. The project originated from the 45th session of the World Health Assembly, which was based on a

theme of women, health, and development.

Dissemination of the work of the global network, as they focus on shared health concerns, is the primary purpose of this book. The content includes detailed reports about the health status of women in selected countries. Each report is written by a native citizen of that area, with the exception of Africa; those chap- ters were developed by doctoral students from the selected area or nurses with extensive experience in that location.

The United States receives the most attention in this initial pub- lication. The authors note that many countries are not rcpresent- ed; they hope that in the future, authors from countries not repre- sented in this book will make contributions to this worthwhile endeavor.

From the beginning of the book, I was struck by the reality of our world. Civil war, limited resources, and access to informa- tion were the biggest problems for these contributors, not writ- ers’ block. In cultures in which women’s issues are of a sensitive nature, some courageous researchers took great risks to get their information.

The introduction presents a clear and comprehensive history of the WHO global network. The information about the develop- ment of the Nursing Collabora- tion Centres in 1987 and their purpose, goals, and objectives is required reading for any health care professional concerned with global health and primary care issues. A complete listing of all the nursing centers as of 1993 is included.

After an initial overview of the status of women’s health across

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the globe, the chapters are orga- nized according to a comprehen- sive outline developed by the authors. Each chapter presents a general synopsis of the country and information about demograph- ics, health care system financing and use, women’s status, family structure, sexuality, violence, and other aspects of interest related to women’s health. Most chapters present comprehensive and detailed statistics, a discussion of causes and possible solutions, and an extensive and current bibliography.

The book focuses on empow- ering women in lieu of viewing them as victims. Discussion cen- ters on women’s issues and how they affect others. A strong link also is made between women’s health and the status of develop- ment in a country or nation.

Numerous charts and graphs aid understanding and serve as quick references. A virtue of the book is its diversity of style and the firsthand knowledge. Often neglected topics, such as tradi- tional tribal medicine versus modern health care and female genital mutilation, receive much attention.

There is not an index, but the outline format simplifies access to individual items. A few of the reports are brief, narrowly focused, and offer no resources for further investigation. Individ- ual author credentials are not included, and a few authors cite their sources as personal experi- ence or conversations. Even though interest is maintained, a researcher may find these inclu- sions frustrating.

would be of great interest to any health care professional interest- ed in the global status of

This portable little book

women’s health. Practicing nurs- es in foreign countries, the mili- tary, and the Peace Corps would find it invaluable. Graduate nurs- ing students in women’s health would gain a worldwide perspec- tive in their field and be able to discuss measures to effect advancements in the area. It defi- nitely should be included on undergraduate and graduate nurs- ing course reading lists in this age of multiculturalism.

This book is available from Jones and Bartlett Publishers, Inc, One Exeter Plaza, Boston, MA 021 16; (800) 832-0034.

JEAN BERRY RN, M S N

BLOOMSBURG (PA) UNIVERSITY ASSISTANT PROFESSOR OF NURSING

ORTHOPAEDIC SURGERY By Brenda Gregory 1 9 9 4 , 2 3 6 ~ ~ $44.95 hardcover

rthopaedic Surgery is a com- prehensive reference book that provides basic informa-

tibn on oihopedic procedures and the equipment necessary for more than 50 common orthopedic prob- lems. The book is divided into two parts. Part one discusses the histo- ry of orthopedic surgery and includes six chapters about mus- culoskeletal structures, equipment, and instrumentation and provides clear information about the nurs- ing assessment (ie, diagnosis, planning, implementation) in car- ing for patients undergoing ortho- pedic procedures.

Part two presents surgical interventions and nursing care in acquired musculoskeletal disor- ders, traumatic injuries, and con- genital anomalies. Each chapter has diagrams in color and black and white with step-by-step

descriptions. After each series of color plates that describe the technique of the procedure per- formed (eg, arthroscopy), there is a helpful addendum for patient teaching.

This is a valuable reference source for nursing students, per- sonnel involved in orthopedic nursing, and all perioperative nurses. This book is available from Mosby-Year Book, Inc, 11830 Westline Industrial Dr, St Louis, MO 63146-3318; (800) 826-1877.

PEARL M. TORRESYAP RN, CNOR

ORTHOPEDIC NURSE BOSTON VETERANS AFFAIRS

MEDICAL CENTER

HIGH TECHNOLOGY IN HEALTH CARE: RISK MANAGEMENT PERSPEC TI VES Edited by Robin A . Maley, Alice L. Epstein 1 993,285 p p $49 members, $62 nonmembers paperback

his book should be required reading for all risk manage- ment personnel who practice

in acute care settings. Nurses, physicians, and other direct care providers also should place it high on their priority reading list. Not only is it well organized and readable, but it includes a variety of useful tips and tools for limit- ing at-risk incidents.

The book is divided into two sections. The first section includes four chapters about orga- nizing for the delivery of high technology health care. It was reassuring to see that the editors began with a discussion of ethics before moving into a review of other relationships between risk assessment and high technology.

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