Physical Assessment for Nurses and Healthcare Professionals, 3rd Edition

In order for nurses and related healthcare professionals to be able to provide a high level of holistic care to their patients based on clinical reasoning, it is essential that they possess effective physical assessment skills which will assist them in gathering the cues which will ultimately direct them towards compiling differential diagnoses. With regards to appropriate publications focusing on this aspect of assessment, there is a wide range to choose from, which vary in size, complexity and cost, all of which can be off-putting to the potential reader. Wiley Blackwell appears to have addressed these three issues within their new physical assessment publication, edited by Professor Carol Cox from the University of London. Those individuals seeking a very readable but concise resource (440 pages) will find that this book will meet their needs and will be impressed by a large number of quality illustrations/photographs and clearly laid out blocks of text.

The content is divided up into 18 chapters ranging from interviewing and history taking through to imaging techniques, clinical investigations and interpretation and each of the different authors brings with them a wealth of experience and qualifications from their own clinical speciality. Each chapter provides the reader with clear and concise information interspersed with appropriate tables and diagrams which contribute towards enhancing the overall learning experience. Despite the high level of general readability, all of the content is very well supported by an appropriate level of quality references supporting evidence-based practice. With regards to consolidating the learning that has occurred during the reading of the chapter, the reader has the opportunity to review a relevant short case study which greatly encourages the nurse to reflect on their self-learning and to identify aspects of the topic that they may wish to further develop.

Michael.J.McGivern

Nursing tutor (New Zealand)

Carol Lynn Cox is Professor Emeritus, School of Health Sciences, City, University of London, UK, and Clinic Manager and Director of Nursing, Health and Hope Clinics, Pensacola, Florida, USA.