Emergency Nursing Bible

The Emergency Nursing Bible is a reference book covering the tasks performed by an emergency nurse in the emergency department (ED) from airway to discharge. The step-by-step process is a dynamic, thoughtful process that requires an active approach using the knowledge of nursing science. The steps follow principles and procedures that adhere to strict nursing standards and guidelines. It is not a simple series of steps or a rigid mechanical process to be delegated to technicians.

The chapters all follow the same format beginning with a rapid ABC assessment and continue with tasks related to patient identification, chief complaint, history of present illness, nursing diagnosis, anticipated medical care, forensic nursing issues, physical examination, ongoing evaluations and interventions, and discharge instructions. Each chapter also contain a ready reference of commonly used medications, terms, concepts, pathophysiology, and worse case scenarios for that specific complaint.

Many tasks and topics are the same in several chapters. They are repeated as necessary to make each chapter a stand-alone, step-by-step protocol for a specific complaint.

This book is designed to be used at the bedside, following the steps while caring for a patient. Every effort has been made to also include the material addressed on the emergency nursing certification exam.

The goal of this book is to make a contribution to the education of the ED staff nurse by providing a ready reference that outlines emergency nursing care with step-by-step protocols. Implementation of these protocols will improve the professional practices of ED staff nurses and improve the outcomes for the emergency patient.