Handbook of Signs & Symptoms, 5th Edition

The newly updated Handbook of Signs & Symptoms, 5e proves it is still the must-have clinical nursing tool for improving patient safety, by increasing assessment accuracy. Quick-scan entries from A to Z offer the on-the-spot answers you need for more than 500 signs and symptoms, covering definitions, causes, patient history, exams, diagnostics, and interventions. Save time and increase your assessment confidence: Reach for this crucial guide!

Improve patient safety with . . .

• NEW signs and symptoms related to emerging diseases and disorders, including avian influenza, respiratory syncytial virus, Kawasaki disease, and the currently epidemic metabolic syndrome

• NEW appendix provides definitions and common causes of 250 less-familiar or nonspecific signs and symptoms

• NEW techniques for evoking patient responses

• NEW pediatric, psychiatric, and nail and tongue signs

• NEW focus on obtaining health history needed for comprehensive, reliable documentation

• Quick-reference A to Z format arms you with assessment guidance for 530 signs and symptoms6

• Convenient carry-it-with-you [or keep-it-handy] size

• Up-to-date methods for determining each sign or symptom’s identity, cause, and nursing implications

• Description of sign or symptom is followed by:

o History and physical examination – Guidelines for detailed history and exam: what to ask, what to examine, and how

o Emergency interventions – Life-, limb-, and organ-threatening signs and symptoms, with recommended nursing interventions

o Medical causes – Differential diagnosis: common causative diseases and disorders related to each sign and symptom, and subtle indicators that keep assessments on track

o Other causes – Medications and herbal remedies associated with each complaint o Special considerations – Patient positioning to ease comfort; preparation for diagnostic testing; reducing anxiety; signs of complications

o Patient counseling – Patient teaching for comfort and safety; explaining causes, treatment, and possible outcomes; providing support referrals

o Pediatric pointers, Geriatric pointers, and Gender cues – Age and gender issues affecting sign and symptom’s presentation, detection, and interpretation

• Charts help differentiate among a sign or symptom’s multiple causes, and differences among similar signs and symptoms

• Tables on signs and symptoms relating to bioterrorism agents and herbal remedies

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