This book is meant to bridge the gap between small handbooks that do not contain enough material to understand why you are doing certain things and large textbooks that lack the practical information you need for how to do specific procedures, write notes, orders, and dictations. After reading it, you will be prepared to care for an obstetric patient from the moment they arrive in triage until the time they are discharged. You will understand not only how to perform both simple and complicated procedures, but also why they are necessary, and you will have the answers to the most common pimp questions that are asked of students and residents. The most up-to-date literature and evidence-based recommendations have been used to create simple treatment algorithms for the most common issues you will face, and numerous illustrations are included for clarity as well. Because of its focus, this book is also valuable resource for staff physicians who need an updated text on current obstetric care as well as for those who regularly interact with and teach medical students and residents.

Labor and Delivery Care: A Practical Guide supports and reinforces the acquisition of the practical obstetric skills needed for aiding a successful birth. Beginning with the most important element of successful labor care, communicating with the patient, the authors guide you through normal delivery routines and examination techniques. They then address the best approaches to the full range of challenges that can arise during labor and delivery. Throughout, the 15 chapters provide concise practical guidance with: algorithmic decision trees clinical management tips detailed drawings Labor and Delivery Care: A Practical Guide provides a thorough tour-de-force of the practical obstetric skills needed for best and safest practice based on clinical experience and evidence.

Promotes safe practice when caring for patients on labor and delivery wards, using evidence-based scenarios.

In light of revised recommendations for intrapartum care, this updated edition reviews best practice in all aspects of labour and delivery.

"Where was this book when I was a new nurse just learning the ropes of labor and delivery? This is a true gem of a book-a must for any new grad going into labor and deliveryÖ.I recommend this book for every labor and delivery floor." Cindy Curtis, RNC, IBCLC, CCE Former Director, The Family Birth Center Culpeper Regional Hospital Lignum, VA "The best one stop reference book for the experienced and noviced Labor and Delivery RN....Finally an excellent Labor and Delivery book by RN's -- for RN's." Garla DeWall, RNC Presbyterian Hospital in the Family Birthing Center Albuquerque, New Mexico Labor and delivery nursing requires critical thinking, constant caring, teamwork, and communication. As the first line of defense to prevent injury, labor and delivery nurses take on some of the most difficult and trying challenges in the delivery room. Murray and Huelsmann present this clinically oriented guide to help labor and delivery nurses make wise decisions in the delivery room. The authors provide a wealth of insight on how to maximize both maternal and fetal outcomes. This book provides authoritative guidance on intervention options, creation of patient-centered plans of care, and improved communication with other members of the obstetrics team. Special Features: Explains the stages and phases of delivery, pain management, patient assessment, and much more Features references, relevant graphics, skills checklists, and review questions at the end of each section Useful for RNs new to the field, seasoned practitioners looking for updated methods and data, and nurses preparing for certification and licensure With this book, nurses will gain the confidence and competence to approach labor and delivery challenges with care and efficiency.

Nurses who are new to the labor and delivery (L&D) environment will welcome this succinct, easy-to-use orientation guide for everyday labor and birth management practices. It is designed for speedy access to fundamental information about the most common practices in the L&D unit and encourages the development of independence and confidence for new RNs orienting to this practice environment. This well-formatted reference covers the more commonly occurring L&D situations, terminology, equipment, labs, medications, complications, and algorithms to help foster critical thinking and establish a concrete obstetric knowledge base. A wealth of clearly rendered illustrations are included to aid learning. The book also provides space for nurses to enter personal notes and protocol observed in their particular hospital. Key Features: Provides an easy-access reference to everyday labor and birth management practices Includes common obstetrical abbreviations, terminology, equipment needed, labs, and algorithms Highlights potential complications in red to indicate emergent topic Integrates multiple illustrations to enhance learning Answers basic questions so new nurses can pursue higher-level learning