ABSTRACT

The development of urgent care centres within emergency departments and the proliferation of minor injury units and walk in centres in recent years has led to a parallel rise in Emergency Practitioners (EPs) whose professional backgrounds range between nursing, physiotherapy and paramedical sciences with nurses being the predominant group. These hybrid groups of clinicians combine nursing and medical knowledge to deliver timely effective care to patients presenting with a wide range of injuries and illness. This handbook is an ideal companion and aide memoire for daily practice, and an essential tool for EPs - enabling them to assess, diagnose, treat and discharge or refer the patient effectively. Written by emergency nurse practitioners who understand the thought processes and complexities of clinical decision making, this guide offers straightforward practical advice, particularly for those in isolated nurse led units or those working in a pressurised environment of the emergency department. General Practitioners and foundation year 2 doctors also increasingly work in emergency/urgent care settings and will find this guide invaluable for current, easy to access information.

section Section 1|16 pages

General issues

chapter Chapter 1|2 pages

Practice advice for the emergency practitioner

chapter Chapter 2|1 pages

Avoiding pitfalls and practising safely

chapter Chapter 3|1 pages

Prescribing

chapter Chapter 5|2 pages

Documentation

chapter Chapter 6|1 pages

Police statements

chapter Chapter 7|2 pages

Paediatric considerations

section Section 2|83 pages

Musculoskeletal

chapter Chapter 8|2 pages

Assault

chapter Chapter 9|4 pages

Head injury

chapter Chapter 10|4 pages

Facial/nasal injury

chapter Chapter 11|3 pages

Neck pain

chapter Chapter 12|2 pages

Chest

chapter Chapter 13|2 pages

Back pain

chapter Chapter 14|4 pages

Shoulder injury

chapter Chapter 15|3 pages

Upper arm injuries

chapter Chapter 16|3 pages

Elbow injury

chapter Chapter 17|10 pages

Wrist and forearm injury

chapter Chapter 18|8 pages

Hand injury

chapter Chapter 19|4 pages

Pelvic and femur injuries

chapter Chapter 20|5 pages

Knee injuries

chapter Chapter 21|5 pages

Ankle injuries

chapter Chapter 22|3 pages

Foot injuries

chapter Chapter 23|3 pages

Toe injuries

chapter Chapter 24|3 pages

Paediatric fractures and dislocations

chapter Chapter 25|5 pages

Limping child

section Section 3|20 pages

Skin

chapter Chapter 26|6 pages

Skin trauma

chapter Chapter 27|3 pages

Burns and scalds

chapter Chapter 28|3 pages

Animal and human bites

chapter Chapter 29|4 pages

Skin infections

section Section 4|13 pages

Ophthalmology

chapter Chapter 30|11 pages

Eyes

section Section 5|33 pages

Primary care

chapter Chapter 31|4 pages

Respiratory conditions

chapter Chapter 32|4 pages

Sore throat

chapter Chapter 33|4 pages

Nasal problems

chapter Chapter 34|5 pages

Earache

chapter Chapter 35|3 pages

Urinary symptoms

chapter Chapter 36|2 pages

Emergency contraception

chapter Chapter 37|3 pages

Suspected deep venous thrombosis

chapter Chapter 38|3 pages

Headache