Introduction

The Gale Encyclopedia of Nursing and Allied Health is a unique and invaluable source of information for the nursing or allied health student. This collection of over 850 entries provides in-depth coverage of specific diseases and disorders, tests and procedures, equipment and tools, body systems, nursing and allied health professions, and current health issues. This book is designed to fill a gap between health information designed for laypeople and that provided for medical professionals, which may be too complicated for the beginning student to understand. The encyclopedia does use medical terminology, but explains it in a way that students can understand.

SCOPE

The Gale Encyclopedia of Nursing and Allied Health covers a wide variety of topics relevant to the nursing or allied health student. Subjects covered include those important to students intending to become biomedical equipment technologists, dental hygienists, dieteticians, health care administrators, medical technologists/clinical laboratory sciencists, registered and licensed practical nurses, nurse anesthetists, nurse practitioners, nurse midwives, occupational therapists, optometrists, pharmacy technicians, physical therapists, radiologic technologists, and speech-language therapists. The encyclopedia also covers information on related general medical topics, classes of medication, mental health, public health, and human biology. Entries follow a standardized format that provides information at a glance. Rubrics include:

Diseases/Disorders

Definition
Description
Causes and symptoms
Diagnosis
Treatment
Prognosis
Health care team roles
Prevention
Resources
Key
terms

Tests/Procedures

Definition
Purpose
Precautions
Description
Preparation
Aftercare
Complications
Results
Health care team roles
Resources
Key terms

Equipment/Tools

Definition
Purpose
Description
Operation
Maintenance
Health care team roles
Training
Resources
Key terms

Human biology/Body systems

Definition
Description
Function
Role in human health
Common diseases and disorders
Resources
Key terms

Nursing and allied health professions

Definition
Description
Work settings
Education and training
Advanced education and training
Future outlook
Resources
Key terms

Current health issues

Definition
Description
Viewpoints
Professional implications
Resources
Key terms

INCLUSION CRITERIA

A preliminary list of topics was compiled from a wide variety of sources, including nursing and allied health textbooks, general medical encyclopedias, and consumer health guides. The advisory board, composed of advanced practice nurses, allied health professionals, health educators, and medical doctors, evaluated the topics and made suggestions for inclusion. Final selection of topics to include was made by the advisory board in conjunction with the Gale editor.

ABOUT THE CONTRIBUTORS

The essays were compiled by experienced medical writers, including physicians, pharmacists, nurses, and allied health care professionals. The advisers reviewed the completed essays to ensure that they are appropriate, up-to-date, and medically accurate.

HOW TO USE THIS BOOK

The Gale Encyclopedia of Nursing and Allied Health has been designed with ready reference in mind.

  • Straight alphabetical arrangement of topics allows users to locate information quickly.
  • Bold-faced terms within entries direct the reader to related articles.
  • Cross-references placed throughout the encyclopedia direct readers from alternate names and related topics to entries.
  • A list of Key terms is provided where appropriate to define terms or concepts that may be unfamiliar to the student.
  • The Resources section directs readers to additional sources of medical information on a topic.
  • Valuable contact information for medical, nursing, and allied health organizations is included with each entry. An Appendix of Nursing and Allied Health organizations in the back matter contains an extensive list of organizations arranged by subject.
  • A comprehensive general index guides readers to significant topics mentioned in the text.

GRAPHICS

The Gale Encyclopedia of Nursing and Allied Health is enhanced by over 400 black and white photos and illustrations, as well as over 50 tables.

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

The editor would like to express appreciation to all of the nursing and allied health professionals who wrote, reviewed, and copyedited entries for the Gale Encyclopedia of Nursing and Allied Health.

Cover photos were reproduced by the permission of Delmar Publishers, Inc., Custom Medical Photos, and the Gale Group.