Since this is the only critical care text book I've used, I have no real basis of comparison. I'll try to be as objective as possible.
I'm using this book for my critical care class in nursing school. I've covered several sections of this book and can say that this book explains the material rather well for the student nurse.. and possibly the new nurse on the critical care unit.
The book is well-structured and organized starting with critical care nursing in general and discussion on practicing hollistically and goals of the critical care nurse with plenty of evidence-based research to help support the future evidence-based practicing nurse. The authors then progress by system discussing assessments and common pathologies found in the critical care environment and expected symptoms, diagnostics, treatments, and how the nurse should care for the client with that particular disease. Aside from the text, countless tables, charts, and graphics are available to highlight key points and provide more indepth coverage on certain areas. NCLEX-style questions and case studies are also available to help facilitate learning.
So as a nursing student, I find the text very insightful and informational when working with critical care level clients. The pathophysiologies are indepth and helped me develop a clinical picture for my clients and the diagnostic and treatment modalities were thorough. A solid text.