Reviewer: Anne Turner-Henson, PhD, RN, FAAN (University of Alabama at Birmingham)
Description: Written from the perspective of pediatric nurse practitioners, this book is a comprehensive resource examining a wide spectrum of health conditions and issues often seen in primary care pediatrics. The seventh edition (sixth edition, 2016) adds new content (e.g., genetic and genomic, environmental health, newborn management, etc.) and content updates based on the latest evidence, Healthy People 2020, and the latest edition of Bright Futures (2017).
Purpose: Developed over 20 years ago, this book continues to be an exemplary resource for advanced practice nurses in primary care. The book emphasizes primary care delivery across the continuum of the child lifespan (infancy through adolescence), focusing on the developmental aspects of care, health promotion, and disease prevention. The objectives are worthy and clearly met.
Audience: This book is primarily written for the nurse practitioner (NP) in primary care. Students in primary care NP programs may find the book a useful resource. Other health professionals, such as physician assistants, physicians, and nurses who care for children/adolescents in a variety of primary care settings, may find the book a useful reference source. The book clearly meets the needs of the intended audiences. This is the only textbook edited solely by a team of actively practicing pediatric nurse practitioners. The authors and chapter contributors are credible experts in the field and include advanced practice nurses and physicians from primary care and specialty practice areas (e.g., pulmonary, cardiology, hematology, etc.).
Features: Pediatric primary health care requires a specialized set of skills, as well as knowledge of the fundamental complexities of development, unique epidemiological health influences, social determinants, and environmental influences on health, and each child's unique genetic characteristics. The book is divided into four major sections: pediatric primary care foundations, management of development, health promotion and protection, and disease management. Primary care management in this book focuses on health promotion and disease prevention, and specific disease management is addressed as a focus on health restoration. Each chapter introduces key concepts and provides an evidence-based and theoretical care foundation. Algorithms are used to guide the evaluation and management of common disorders, using the current evidence to support clinical decisions. Common childhood issues, such as toilet training, breastfeeding, and nutrition, are discussed along with the evidence-based guidance and family education tips. The seventh edition adds new chapters on genetic and genomic concepts, environmental health issues, newborn developmental management, immunizations, injury prevention and child maltreatment, perinatal disorders, and developmental, behavioral, and mental health promotion. Each chapter identifies online resources for families and providers are included. The primary scope of NP care is emphasized along with appropriate referral and consultation areas identified. Photographs and images are in color, and photographs of skin conditions specific to pediatrics are of good quality.
Assessment: This book is a must-have resource for all NPs who serve children/adolescents in primary care settings. The seventh edition adds new content such as genetic and genomic concepts, environmental health issues, newborn developmental management, immunizations, injury prevention and child maltreatment, perinatal disorders, and developmental, behavioral, and mental health promotion.