This book allows nurses to easily identify which clinical problems are true emergencies, which require urgent attention and action and which are those that can wait for a later review. The potential differential diagnoses for each clinical presentation can be identified along with the actions required to ensure effective treatment is provided in a timely manner. The information, within the book, is presented in concise note form, utilising bullet lists as appropriate and icons to identify the different levels of urgency required. Emergencies in Adult Nursing complements the Oxford Handbook series and is cross referenced to compliment to this series.

The book utilises the Manchester Triage System to identify common clinical presentations. This is a tried and tested method used internationally to determine priority of care needs. It was recently updated in 2006. Nurses working in emergency care are familiar with this approach and with the spread of triage to other areas of care during the last ten years, it is also familiar to nurses working in other acute settings and in Primary Care, making this book accessible and relevant to all nurses.

1. Abdominal pain
2. Abscesses and local infections
3. Allergy
4. Apparently drunk
5. Assault
6. Asthma
7. Back pain
8. Behaving strangely
9. Bites and stings
10. Burns and scalds
11. Chest pain
12. Collapse
13. Dental problems
14. Diabetes
15. Diarrhoea and vomiting
16. Ear problems
17. Exposure to chemicals
18. Eye problems
19. Facial problems
20. Falls
21. Fits
22. Foreign bodies
23. GI bleed
24. Headache
25. Head injury
26. Limb problems
27. Major trauma
28. Mental health
29. Neck pain
30. Overdose and poisoning
31. Palpitations
32. Pregnancy
33. PV bleeding
34. Rashes
35. Self-harm
36. Shortness of breath
37. Sore throat
38. Testicular pain
39. Torso injury
40. Urinary problems
41. Wounds

Registered nurses working in unscheduled care settings such as emergency departments, acute hospital settings and primary care settings. It will also appeal to student nurses undertaking degree programmes or diploma studies. As a secondary market, the book will also appeal to paramedics, emergency care practitioners, and nurses in mental health settings.