Book excerpt: Part of the Nursing Secrets Series ® and written in a question & answer format, Triage Nursing Secrets begins with an overview of triage nursing and moves to a significant section on symptoms and a final section on issues and competencies. This practical resource is a collection of pearls of wisdom and tricks of the trade to aid effective nurse triage decisions. Content includes guiding principles, objective criteria, mnemonics/memory aids, discriminators, determinants from standardized triage systems and differences between the typical presentation of men vs. women in various conditions including stroke, chest pain, and domestic violence. Written by experts in the field of triage nursing for the most authoritative information. Key Points boxes emphasize the most important material in each chapter. Internet Resources in appropriate chapters provide sources for further studying and reference. Mnemonics/memory aids help readers remember important concepts. "Top Secrets" of triage nursing are included in the front matter for quick reference. Topical chapters are included on disaster and terrorism issues, as well as the always-changing regulatory issues in triage nursing. Engaging, straightforward Question-and-Answer format makes it easy to look up needed facts and information in any setting. Visually appealing two-color design makes material accessible and reader-friendly.