Serves as handy clinical guide for nurses working in this field, covering the timeline from preoperative to recover, with an emphasis on prevention and management of postoperative complications. It will appeal to new graduates and nurses who are considering a switch to cardiac care and the critical care area. The book re-enforces the knowledge these highly specialized nurses already have and provides structure to help develop additional skills. This is a 'must-have' pocket reference tool containing frequently utilized information that is presented in the clear and precise format. This book was originally published under the Fast Facts series by Springer Publishing Company.

A quick-access format delivers the "big picture" from pre-op to extended recovery.This concise clinical guide provides cardiac care nurses with speedy access to information and guidelines they use daily. Heavily updated with the newest clinical practice information, the third edition emphasizes postoperative complications and the nursing interventions designed to prevent and treat them. It includes updated coverage of risk factors for stroke and congenital heart disease and discusses new antithrombotics and antiplatelet medications. Bulleted information, brief paragraphs, boxed indicators highlighting key information, and Fast Facts "Pearls" are included in each chapter. The book's consistent organization facilitates quick access to information on equipment, procedures, and pre- and post-op specialty care. Ideal for new graduates and nurses considering a switch to cardiac or critical care, this resource reinforces existing knowledge and provides a foundation for developing additional skills. New to the Third Edition: Encompasses the latest research and guidelines Emphasizes postoperative complications and care Discusses diagnostic testing, patient preparation for cardiac surgery, initial post-op complications, extended recovery complications, and stroke care Updated rehabilitation chapter includes important patient education content Educates readers about new antithrombotics and antiplatelet medications Offers new guidelines for use of ventricular assist devices Key Features: A handy pocket reference for new and experienced cardiac care nurses Organized for easy access to equipment, procedures, and pre- and post-op specialty care An overall focus on patient safety