Psychosocial Basis of Medical Prat- tice. Bowden, Charles, Alvin G Burstein, et 01. Baltimore: Williams and Wilkins, 1974, 229 pp, $7.95 paperback. Human behavior i s discussed by the authors who encourage an awareness of the per- sonality traits and behavior patterns pe- culiar to individual patients. They point out the need for incorporating this information into the treatment and interpersonal rela- tionship with each patient.

The text is intended for use in human behavior courses during the first year of medical school. The authors’ goals are the recognition and management of common emotional reactions in patients; the under- standing of those factors that influence the physician-patient relationship, including the physician’s own adaptation to his role; an understanding of growth and development across the life cycle; and the preparation of the student for courses in psychopathol-

ogy. The operating room nurse might find this

book a good reference in developing her interviewing skills for pre and postoperative visits. Each chapter begins with an outline of the material to be covered which makes the book useful as a reference source.

Elizabeth A Reed, RN Philadelphia

Fitness, Health, and Work Capacity: International Standards for Assess. rnent. International Committee for the Standardization of Physical Fitness Test, L A Larson, Ed. New York: Macmillan Pub Co, 1974, 562 pp, $14.95 clothbound. This basic scientific study of fitness, health, and work capacity begins by defining terms, classifying work and activities, and establishing testing methods that can be used for such studies.

How cultural differences affect fitness, work capacity, and health changes around the world i s discussed by authors from diverse cultures. All agree that there still are no valid criteria to fairly test fitness and

work capacity in all cultures, nor is there agreement on the definition of physical fitness that would apply to all cultures.

Since the credits for the articles do not include the author’s position, rank, or de- gree, there i s no indication whether these authors are doctors, physiologists, physical educators, or coaches. Some designation of credentials for their expertise should be stated to substantiate the material pre- sented.

The book i s geared to the physiologist, kinesiologists, and physical educators. The school nurse involved with athletic medi- cine and the industrial nurse involved with work capacity would find this a worthwhile

June C Persson, RN reference.

Denver

Neurological and Neurosurgical Nurs- ing, 6th ed. Carini, Esta, Guy Owens. St Louis: C V Mosby Co, 1974, 41 5 pp, $1 1.25. Beginning with a brief history of neurology and neurosurgery, this textbook presents a thorough, basic study of the anatomy and physiology of the nervous system. The de- tailed explanations and numerous illustra- tions make this complex system more understandable.

Specific disorders, such as developmental and degenerative disease, infectious dis- ease, cerebrovascular disease, and canvul- sive disorders, are discussed. With an entire chapter devoted to each, the reader i s pro- vided with a detailed study of the most common entities, such as multiple sclerosis and hydrocephalus, to more rare diseases, such as subacute combined degeneration and syringomyelia. The patient with an in- tracranial or intervertebral tumor is studied, as i s the patient with an injury to the nervous system.

Medical as well as surgical therapy i s discussed, with many valuable nursing im- plications supplied. Medications used in therapy are not overlooked.

Kathleen Burke, RN low4 City, lowa

1090 AORN Journal, December 1974, Vol20 , No 6