Acute Care Handbook for Physical Therapists

• Review of body system basics and disease processes in each chapter provides concise information to help you better manage patients in a hospital setting.
• Familiarizes you with the acute care environment by explaining medical terminology, hospital protocol, and surgical workups
• Includes updated information on medications, laboratory and diagnostic tests, and surgical and invasive procedures pertinent to physical therapy practice
• Clinical tips throughout the text show you how to maximize safety, quality, and efficiency of care.
• Over 350 illustrations, tables, and boxed text highlight essential concepts and procedures for quick reference.
• Uses terminology consistent with the Guide to Physical Therapist Practice, Second Edition
• Focuses on evidence-based practice to help you determine the best interventions including recent literature regarding rehabilitation in the critical care setting.

• NEW! Pertinent practice patterns from the Guide to Physical Therapist Practice, Second Edition are included in each chapter.
• NEW! Additional illustrations to improve comprehension of the material
• NEW! More pharmacologic implications for physical therapists, specifically concerning side effects and use of combination drugs.
• NEW! Additional decision-making algorithms facilitate critical thinking in the clinical setting.
• NEW! Updated surgical and invasive procedures include minimally invasive orthopedic surgery, bariatric procedures, and complete insight into circulatory assist devices.
• NEW! Expanded neurological chapter including vestibular dysfunction tests and measures, a discussion of dementia, and the latest in stroke evaluation and management.
• NEW! Revised appendices discuss the latest concepts in documentation standards, palliative care, and patient safety.
• NEW! Slimmer, larger format allows the book to lie open for easier reading.
• NEW! Improved design highlighting clinical tips and other key features lets you locate important information quickly in a busy clinical setting.

Two brief observations that might strengthen the utility of this reference book: First, a chapter on "Trauma or Multi-Trauma Patients" would be beneficial. Also, increased use of illustrations would enhance the book's impact.

Overall, though, this text has been a wonderful addition to my reference library. If you are an acute care therapist now, going to be one soon, or just need to "brush up" on this phase of rehabilitation, this book will definitely meet your reference needs.