Book Review

Nursing Diagnosis: Application to Clinical Practice. L. Carpenito. Philadelphia: Lippincott, 1993,1070 pages, $32.95.

Carpenito divides her text on nursing diagnoses into three sections. The first section explores the concept of nursing diagnosis and its development within the frame- work of the NANDA. The author makes a sound argu- ment for using nursing diagnosis while presenting both the strengths and weakness of nursing diagnosis in an objective manner. Content is presented in a consistent, logical, and step-wise progression with rationale and examples provided. Carpenito makes a distinction between her opinions and those of NANDA. References allow the reader to pursue additional information on the topics discussed.

Content in the other two sections of the book receives the same attention to detail as in the first section. In sec- tion two, actual diagnoses are explored. The author does not limit herself to NANDA-approved diagnoses; she also discusses other possible ones. A how-to approach for learning and using nursing diagnoses is included in the presentation of the diagnosis. Although complete, the manner of presentation is complicated and difficult to follow, even for those familiar with nursing diagnoses. A great deal of information is presented, which fre- quently requires re-reading in order to gain an under- standing of the content.

Section three explores collaborative problems. A model for practicethe bifocal clinical practice model- which the author developed, is presented as a way to handle clinical situations requiring nursing interven- tions.

The text flows well and holds your attention to the extent it is easy to forget you are reading a nursing text that outlines a beginning core curriculum for teaching the nursing process based on a nursing model rather than the medical model. Despite its readability, however, the text is by no means elementary. The issues discussed are numerous and complex, and provide a significant amount of indepth information. Additionally, the author

offers varying viewpoints on many issues. The appendices include 12 tables that address assess-

ment, interventions, and guidelines for submission of diagnoses to NANDA.

Anyone in favor of or opposed to nursing diagnosis who wants to gain a better understanding about the con- cept and related areas will benefit from reading this text. Additionally, teachers looking for a nursing process- based core curriculum will find the text very helpful.

Mary Hurley, MA, RN, CCRN, CNA Administrator Hospital/Nursing Operations, Evenings

Clinical Director Nursing, ER Mount Sinai Hospital, New York

Save the Date Second European Conference on Nursing Diagnosis

& Interventions

May 18 - 20,1995 Brussels

For more information: LEO Nursing Management

Sarphatistraat 41 1018 EW Amsterdam, The Netherlands

Fax: +3120 624 34 05

Nursing Diagnosis Volume 5, No. 2, April-June, 1994 91