Book excerpt: Cardiac Surgery Essentials for Critical Care Nursing, Third 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 Third Edition addresses nursing knowledge to meet the needs of acutely ill patients and strategies to optimizing patient outcomes in this dynamic field. Vital information has been added and updated to reflect significant changes in cardiac surgery as well as four new chapters based on needs of patients, families, and readers. These new chapters address nutritional issues, post ICU-care, psychological and spiritual support, and rehabilitation care post cardiac surgery.