Book excerpt: The Nursing series of handbooks presents core nursing information in the clear, conversational, practical style of the award-winning Nursing journal. Each handbook features to-the-point bulleted text, explanatory illustrations, and icons that echo familiar column names in the journal. Interpreting Signs & Symptoms covers the latest understanding of more than 500 signs and symptoms—their clinical significance and urgency; immediate interventions for life-threatening indicators; possible causes including diseases, drugs, alternative medicines, diet, surgery, and procedures; nursing considerations; and patient teaching. Icons include Action Stat! for urgent interventions and Assessment Tip for technique pointers.