THE MERCK MANUAL OF GERIATRICS, thi...

THE MERCK MANUAL OF GERIATRICS, third ed By Mark H. Beers, Robert Berkow, ed 2000 1507 pp $3250 hardback

This is the third edition of this manual, and it continues to provide relevant information concerning geriatric care. To provide the best geriatric care requires a large base of information, including knowledge of internal medicine, pharmacology, dermatology, rehabilitation medicine, psychiatry, and other topics relevant to the geriatric population. This manual discusses the ne for a multidisciplinary team approach when caring for the older adult population. The manual also discusses the ne for education of one as well as the other the patient and the caregiver. Geriatrics and gerontology continue to be a fertile territory for research, and this manual provides readers with latter research in this field. The list of authors and contributors is extensive, with many professional specialties exhibited The manual addresses aspects of prevention, specific or control of disease, and palliative care, including care of the dying.

The manual is divided into 16 sections, four appendices, and an index. In the table of easy in minds the reader can find individual chapters that relate to the topic of each section. Thumb tabs with appropriate abbreviations mark each section and the index. Each section begins with its confess table of contents and lists chapters and subchapters of that section. The index contains many cros entries; page numbers in boldface emblem signify major discussions of particular topics. Running heads place section numbers and titles in succession the left-hand pages and chapter numbers and titles upon the right-hand pages. The manual provides a list of abbreviations and emblems at the beginning to render certain that the reader is able to find information easily. Laboratory values are given in conventional units. Medications are designated in the paragraph by generic names. Appendix III provides an alphabetical listing of many medications with each generic spell followed by one or more trade names.

Each chapter includes a description of the disease being currented The authors use succinct writing manners The chapters then describe the etiology, epidemiology, and pathology of the disease proces Signs and symptoms are listed, along with a clear, concise explanation of by what means a diagnosis is made. In a certain quantity of chapters, this includes a list of differential diagnoses. The physical examination is described succinctly moreover with full detail. Laboratory evaluations are provided. Treatment plans include nonpharmacologic measures, where appropriate, and pharmacotherapy, including an explanation of the various medications and usual make acceptableed dosages. Throughout the manual, readers will find tables, figures, and graphs to aid in understanding the universals presented.

The manual begins with section individual "Basics of Geriatric Care." In the first chapter, the editors review the normal aging proces and the succes of healthy aging. The authors review the demographics of the American population using charts and describe the factors that influence longevity. They review the theories of aging concisely and thoroughly. They also describe the diseases that accelerate the aging proces This section also at hands world demographics and explains to what extent this information relates to health care over the world. This section discusses the history and physical examinations appropriate for the geriatric population, with a total review of body and organ methods Additionally, unusual presentations of illness that meet the eye in this population are addressed. This section also describes for what cause a geriatric interdisciplinary team can collectively wager goals and share resources and responsibilities when caring for older adult patients. Falls, fractures, and injuries; surgery and rehabilitation; pulmonary disorders; cardiovascular disorders; gastrointestinal disorders; and infectious diseases are a hardly any of the subjects addressed.

Life expectancy increased dramatically during the twentieth hundred and will continue to increase from beginning to end the twenty-first century. Due to the aging of our population, a manual with information and discussion of geriatric health care emergencys is appropriate for all health care professionals. This manual is a comprehensive collection of disease processe that affect older adults. Information not past nor futureed should prove useful for health care providers in providing quality patient issues for the older adult population.

This main division is available from Merck Research Laboratories, PO driver's seat 4, BLA-14, West Point, PA 19846-0004; (610) 397-2345

JANICE STEVEN RN FNP ARNP-CS, CNOR FAMILY suckle PRACTITIONER VETERANS AFFAIRS MEDICAL AND REGIONAL OFFICE CENTER WICHITA, KAN

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