This is a book designed for realED nurses by a realED nurse. It is a book for quick reference intended to aid your day-to-day ED orientation process with your preceptor and to guide you through the most common illnesses seen in the ED. This book does not cover basic anatomy and physiology, advanced practice emergency medicine, advanced cardiovascular life support, pediatric advanced life support, or the trauma nurse core course. The information in this book has been compiled from basic ED knowledge, and the references used are considered reliable.
Each chapter includes a brief introduction; an outline of materials, equipment, and drugs with which you should become familiar; a list of diagnoses that includes definitions, causes, signs and symptoms, and interventions; a feature titled Fast Facts that provides quick summaries of important points; and question-and-answer boxes for your review. The appendices at the end of the book include abbreviations, skills checklists, IV drips, common lab values, EKG rhythms, and frequently used ED medications—information that should become second nature to all ED personnel.
After reading this book, you will become the “Jack of all illnesses.” Therefore, put on your running shoes, keep a stash of dark chocolates, and, when all else fails, practice unreasonable happiness. One thing is for sure: Just when you think you have seen it all, your next patient will come in!