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Pocket Pearls Series

This pocket size study guide contains literally hundreds of short pearls of information regarding the field of emergency nursing. Although the books were designed to assist emergency nurses in preparation for the Certified Emergency Nurse (CEN) exam, the information contained within the book can be used as a resource for emergency nurses in a variety of other settings. This series of small pocket books would make an excellent gift for nurses on special days such as Emergency Nurses Day or during Nurses Week. This valuable resource would also serve as a helpful tool to new graduate nurses, those who are new to the emergency setting, or as an ongoing review and learning tool for experienced emergency room nurses.

Here are some sample "pearls" contained in the Pocket Pearls books:

• Cranial nerve dysfunction associated with a stroke is ipsilateral to the affected side of the brain whereas muscle weakness or hemiplegia and loss of deep tendon reflexes will be contralateral to the affected side.
• Jimsonweed, nightshade, and the leaves of the potato plant cause anticholinergic toxidromes and are treated with Physostigmine (Antilirium).
• If a patient vomits while cricoid pressure is applied, the pressure should be released to prevent esophageal rupture.
• Puncture wounds on the bottom of the foot have a high rate of tarsal bone ostemomyelitis because body weight forces the object into the bones.
• In rare cases, the medication Dapsone can cause hemolysis of red blood cells, especially in patients with Glucose-6 phosphate dehydrongenase (G6PD).
• Ketone bodies are commonly found in the urine of patients with diabetic acidosis, but are less common in the urine of patients with hyperosmolar hyperglycemic nonketotic coma.
• Treatment for hypercalcemia includes administering a loop or osmotic diuretic, initiating IV rehydration, and administration of IV glucocorticoids.

Pocket Practice Series

The Pocket Practice series of books is meant to compliment the Pocket Pearls series. These small pocket books contain literally hundreds of practice questions relating to the field of emergency nursing. All of the questions are written in a multiple choice format. Aside from the questions, readers are provided with the correct answer as well as the rationale for both the correct and incorrect answers. This invaluable learning tool can be used to assist readers in preparing to take an exam such as the Certified Emergency Nurse (CEN) exam as well as assess preparedness for the exam. These pocket books can also be used for nurses who are looking to challenge their own knowledge in the field of emergency medicine. They make an excellent study guide or gift for a nurse.

Here is a sample question from the Pocket Practice series:

Which of the following positions is most therapeutic for a patient experiencing autonomic dysreflexia?

A. Prone position
B. Supine position
C. Semi-Fowlers position
D. Trendelenberg position

The correct answer is C (Planning based question)
Rationale: Patients with autonomic dysreflexia experience extremely high pressures in the upper body. To prevent intracranial pressure, the patient should be cared for with the head of the bed elevated to maximize drainage from the cranial vault. Prone, supine, and Trendelenberg positions may all increase intracranial pressure and would not be indicated.