Patients who undergo cardiac surgery require specialized care. Critical care nurses are crucial to their postoperative recovery and health. Cardiac Surgery Essentials for Critical Care Nursing, Fourth Edition is an indispensable resource for new and experienced nurses caring for patients in critical care units immediately following cardiac surgery and in the transitioning to home. With an evidence—based foundation, the Fourth Edition addresses nursing knowledge to meet the needs of acutely ill patients and strategies to optimizing patient outcomes. Vital information has been added and updated to reflect AACN Scope and Standards and Procedures.Published in partnership with American Association of Critical—Care Nurses (AACN), Cardiac Surgery Essentials for Critical Care Nursing, Fourth Edition is a must—have reference for all nurses caring for acute and critically ill patients and an ideal resource to help prepare nurses who plan to take the Cardiac Surgery Certification (CSC ) subspecialty exam offered by AACN. NEW section on Postoperative Risk Assessment elaborates on ERAS and preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative bundle & recommendations.Includes coverage of new content areas added to the CSC 2022 blueprint, such as lumbar drain and spinal cord ischemia/paralysis.Clinical Inquiry Boxes throughout highlight research findings that have implications for nursing practice.Case Studies and Critical Thinking Questions promote critical thinking and application of information.Every new print copy is packaged with access to the complete eBook and Navigate TestPrep to test readers' knowledge and provide practice for the certification exams. © 2026 | 600 pages