An Introduction to
Clinical
Emergency
Medicine
An Introduction to Clinical Emergency Medicine is a
much-needed resource for individuals practicing
this challenging field. This textbook is novel in
its approach to emergency medicine topics. It
describes in detail the best and most current meth-
ods to care for patients in the emergency depart-
ment, including initial evaluation, generation of
differential diagnoses, problem solving, and
management of challenging conditions based on
presenting symptoms. Unlike other textbooks, in
which the diagnosis is known, this textbook
approaches clinical problems as clinicians manage
patients – without full knowledge of the final
diagnosis. It provides an understanding for how
to approach patients with undifferentiated con-
ditions, ask the right questions, gather historical
data, utilize physical examination skills, and
order and interpret appropriate laboratory and
radiographic tests. This textbook also provides
current management and disposition strategies
with controversies presented, including pearls,
pitfalls, and myths for topics covered. Chapters
are written by nationally- and internationally-
respected clinicians, educators, and researchers
in the field of emergency medicine. An Introduction
to Clinical Emergency Medicine offers just the right
combination of text, clinical images, and practi-
cal information for students, residents, physician
assistants, nurse practitioners, and experienced
physicians in all medical disciplines. The over-
riding goal of this textbook is to improve the
practitioner’s understanding of emergency med-
icine principles and practice, directly benefiting
patient care in a variety of emergency settings.
An Introduction to
Clinical
Emergency
Medicine
Swaminatha V. Mahadevan, MD, FACEP, FAAEM
Associate Chief, Division of Emergency Medicine
Assistant Professor of Surgery (Emergency Medicine)
Stanford University School of Medicine
Emergency Department Medical Director
Medical Student Clerkship Director
Stanford University Medical Center, Stanfo