A practical powerhouse of clinical information, The Portable RN is an indispensable tool for nurses who provide day-to-day care. This concise, all-in-one guide reviews assessment techniques, how to distinguish health from disease, how to interpret ECG's and lab results, preoperative and postoperative care, and key nursing procedures. The reader will learn precautions to prevent the spread of contagious disease, drug administration hazards, alternative and complementary therapies, documentation pointers, home care guidelines, cultural variations, and more. "Age Alert" calls attention to age-specific considerations for younger and older patients. "Patient-Teaching Tips" help promote learning and compliance. Illustrations throughout clarify key concepts