Nursing Tips- Mnemonics

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1.

"CATS" of "HYPOCALCEMIA"

C - Convulsions A- Arrhythmias T - Tetany S - Spasms and stridor P- Preventable P- Painless P- Permanent P- Polyuria (excessive urination) P- Polydypsia (excessive thirst) P- Polyphagia (excessive hunger) C- Coronary Artery Disease C- Coronary Rheumatic Fever C- Congestive Heart Failure C- Cardio Vascular Accident A-mnesia A-nomia A-praxia A-gnosia A-phasia D- Denial D- Dependency D- Demanding D- Destructive D- Domineering P-Pain P-Paresthesia P-Paralysis P-Pulse P-Pallor (Paleness) P- Pulmonary Bronchial Constriction P- Possible Foreign Body P- Pulmonary Embolus P- Pneumothorax P- Pump Failure P- Pneumonia

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8 A's for Hepatotoxic Drugs (Check SGPT/SGOT)

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3 P's of Blindness

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3 P's of Diabetes Mellitus - Type 1 Signs & Symptoms

Antituberculosis Anticonvulsant S - sodium Luminal G - gabapentin P - phenytoin T - tegretol Anticancer Aspirin Alcohol Antifamily (contraceptice pills) Acetaminophen Aflatoxins R-espiratory O-pposite M-etabolic E-qual B-athing A-mbulation T-oileting T-ransfers E-ating D-ressing S-ugar (Glucocorticoids) S-alt (Mineralcorticoids) S-ex (Androgens) Alkalosis - has a 'k' - Kicking the pH up Acidosis - has a 'd' - Dropping the pH down J- Judgment A- Affect M- Memory C- Cognition O- Orientation A- Amniocentesis L- L/S Ratio O - Oxytocin Test N - Non-Stress Test E - Estriol Level C Cane O Opposite A Affected L Leg Adenosine/amiodorone or anticoagulate (if Afib/Flutter has been present >48h) Beta blockers Calcium channel blockers Digoxin Electrocardiovert (if <48h)

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Acid-Base (ROME)

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4 C's of Hypertension (Complications)

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ADLs (Activity of Daily Living) BATTED

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5 A's to Alzheimer Diagnosis

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Adrenal Gland Hormones (SSS) Alkalosis and Acidosis

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5 D's of Behavioral Problems of Alcoholism

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5 P's of Circulatory Checks

Assess Changes in Senile Dementia (JAMCO)

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6 P's of Dyspnea

Assessment Tests for Fetal Well-Being (ALONE)

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Assistive devices -Canes:

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Atrial Arrhythmias: ABCDE

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Bleeding Precautions (RANDI)

R- Razor Electric/ Blades A- Aspirin N- No needles (esp. in small gauge) D- Do decrease in needle sticks) I - Injury (Protect from) T-ricuspid P-ulmonic M-itrial A-ortic B- Banana R- Rice A- Apple T- Toasted Bread 1 little 2, little 3 little fingers Do BSE 7 days after menses Press nipple once check for discharge Call your doctor I'm sure you will do it more... C-omfort A-ltered Body Image N-utrition C-hemotherapy E-valuate response to meds R-espite for caretakers C-hange in bowel or bladder A- lesion that does not heal U-nusual bleeding or discharge T-hickening or lump in breast or elsewhere I-ndigestion or difficulty swallowing O-bvious changes in wart or mole N-agging cough or persisten hoarseness U-nexplained weight loss P-ernicious Anemia C- Cane O- Opposite A- Affected L- Leg

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Canes and Walkers (WWAL) Wandering Wilma's Always Late Care of Client in Traction (TRACTION)

W- Walker W- With A- Affected L - Leg T- Temperature (Extremity, Infection) R - Ropes hang freely A - Alignment C - Circulation Check (5 P's) T- Type & Location of fracture I - Increase fluide intake O - Overhead trapeze N - No weights on bed or floor S-alivation L-acrimation U-rination D-efecation C-hoking L-ie on back E-valuate Airway F-eed Slowly T-eaching L-arger nipple opening I-ncidence incerase in males P-revent crust formation and aspiration

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19.

Blood Flow Through the Cardiac Valves (Tissue Paper My Assets)

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BRAT Diet (for severe dehydration)

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Cholinergic Crisis (SLUD)

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Breast self examination (i made a song out of this)

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Cleft Lip - Post Op Care (CLEFT LIP)

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CANCER Interventions

29.

Common Causes of Transient Incontinence (DIAPPERS)

D-elirium I-nfection A-trophic Urethra P-harmaceuticals P-sychologic E-xcess Urine Output R-estricted Mobility S-tool Impaction Hypothermia (to decrease O2 consumption)...Effects SVR (vasoconstriction) and causes myocardial depression (decreases contractility) Hemodilution (to improve macrocirculation)...fluid shifting (thirdspacing), e-lyte imbalances (K+, Mg+ & Ca++ often need replacing!) Heparinzation (to prevent clots in circuit)...monitor aPTT. Bleeding Brady's (dysrhythmias) Bloodclots (d/t excessive thrombin)

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CANCER'S Early Warning Signs CAUTION UP

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Complications of cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB): The 3 H's

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Complications of thrombolytic therapy: The 3 B's

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Canes and Walkers (COAL)

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Complications of Trauma Client (TRAUMATIC)

T-issue Perfusion Problems R-espiratory Problems A-nxiety U-nstable Clotting Factors M-alnutrition A-ltered Body Image T-hromboembolism I-nfection C-oping Problems O-Lympic (Olfactory) O-Pium (Optic) O-Ccupies (Oculomotor) T-ROubled (Trochlear) T-RIathletes (Trigeminal) A-fter (Abducens) F-inishing (Facial) V-Egas (Vestibulocochlear) G-ambling (Glossopharyngeal) V-Acations (Vagus) S-till (Spinal Accessory) H-igh (Hypoglossal) O- Oh O- Oh O- Oh T- To T- Touch A- And F - Feel A G - irl's V - agina S - So H- Heavenly O- On O -Old O- Obando T- Tower T- Top AF- Filipino A - Army G - Guards V - Villages A - And H - Huts

36.

Cranial Nerve Mnemonics (Sensory, Motor or Both)

S - Some S - Says M- Marilyn M- Monroe B - But M- My B- Brother S- Says B- Bridget B - Bardot M- Mmm M- Mmm S- Some S- Say M - Marry M- Money B- But M- My B - Brother S- Says B- Bad B- Business M - Marry M - Money T- Tetralogy of Fallot T- Truncus Arteriosus T- Transportation of the Great Vessels T- Tricuspid Atresia Make sure they don't have problems with: D-rug and alcohol E-yes and ears M-etabolic and endocrine disorders E-motional disorders N-eurologic disorders T-umors and trauma I-nfection A-rteriovascular disease

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Cranial Nerve Mnemonic 01

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Cranial Nerve Mnemonics 02 (Sensory, Motor or Both)

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Cyanotic Defects: 4 T's

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Cranial Nerve Mnemonic 02

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DEMENTIA

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Cranial Nerve Mnemonic 03

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Depression Assessment (SIG) Diagnostic criteria of ARDS

S-leep Disturbances I-nterest Decreased G-uilty Feelings Acute onset Ratio (PaCO2/FiO2) <200 Diffuse infiltration Swan-Ganz wedge pressure (PAWP) <18mm Hg Fear: panic, extreme anxiety Fits: seizures Fast Living: cocaine, crack, phencyclidine (PCP)

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Dilated pupils: Fear, Fits & Fast Living

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Drugs for Bradycardia & low BP (IDEA)

I - Isoproterenol D - Dopamine E - Epinephrine A - Atropine Sulfate A-menorrhea delayed N-o organic factors accounts for weight loss O-bviously thin but feels FAT R-efusal to maintain normal body weight E-pigastric discomfort is common X-symptoms (peculiar symptoms) I-ntense fears of gaining weight A-lways thinking of foods B-inge eating U-nder strict dieting L-acks control over-eating I-nduced vomiting M-inimum of to binge eating episodes I-ncrease/Persistent concern of body size/shape A-buse of diuretics & laxatives Can't see Can't pee Can't spit Can't --defecate P- Potassium I- Inside S- Sodium O- Outside

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Epiglottitis (AIR RAID)

A-irway Closed I-ncreased Pulse R-estlessness R-etractions A-nxiety Increased I-nspiratory Stridor D-rooling

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Eating Disorder: ANOREXIA

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Evalution of Episiotomy Healing (REEDA)

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Eating Disorder: BULIMIA

R- Redness E- Edema E - Ecchymosis D - Discharge, Drainage AApproximation His (health history) Head (head to toe assessment) Is (insert monitoring devices -caths, ECG, arterial lines) So (splints for fractures) Wide (wound care) Olivia (other interventions) F - Frequency (3x per week) I - Intensity (60-80% of Maximal Heart Rate) T- Time (Aerobic Activity) Variable Cord compression Early Head compression Accelerations OK Late Placental insufficiency

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Everyone knows to make the ABCD (airway breathing circulation and neurologic disability) assessment first. Then as soon as possible, further assessment/intervention is done, which includes:

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effects of anticholinergics:

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Electrolytes - PISO

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Emergency Drugs to LEAN on

L- Lidocaine E - Epinephrine A- Atropine Sulfate N - Narcan A-irway B-reathing C-irculation D-isability E-xamine F-ahrenheit G-et Vitals H-ead to Toe Assessment I-ntervention C-oncentration decreased A-ppetite P-sychomotor function decreased S-uicidal Ideations

Exercise Guide for Diabetic Fitness (FIT)

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Emergency Trauma Assessment (ABCDEFGHI)

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fetal accelerations and decelerations!!! Just remember VEAL CHOP

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Energy Decreased (CAPS)

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Findings of a Bulimia client: WASHED

W-eight loss of 15% of original body weight A-menorrhea S-ocial withdrawal H-istory of high activity & achievement E-lectrolyte Imbalance D-epression/ Distorted Body Image Right = Right C=oronary A=Artery M=Marginal Artery P=Posterior Interventricular Artery Left=Left A=Anterior Interventricular Artery C=Circumflex Artery Amiodorone Lidocaine R- Rye O- Oats W- Wheat When you see plasia in any word, think of "plastic." Plastic, in turn, means forming or developing. As for hypo and hyper, that's the easy part. Hypo means under, or below normal. Hyper means excessive, or above normal. Thus, hypoplasia means underdevelopment, and hyperplasia means overdevelopment. S3= Heart fail-ure (3 syllables) S4=Hy-per-ten-sion (4 syllables) K- Kayexalate (orally/ enema) I- Insulin N- Na HCO3 D- Diuretics (Furosemide & Thiazides) F - Fever (low grade), flushed skin R - Restless (irritable) I - Increased fluid retention and increased BP E - Edema (peripheral and pitting) D - Decreased urinary output, dry mouth Can also use this one: SALT S = Skin flushed A = Agitation L = Low-grade fever T = Thirst

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Hypertension Nursing Care (DIURETIC)

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For remembering the coronary arteries and which side they are on: I have a RIGHT to CAMP if you LEFT off the AC

D-aily Weight I- ntake and Output (I & O) U- rine Output R-esponse of BP E-lectrolytes T-ake Pulses I-schemic Episodes (TIA) C-omplications: 4C's T-achycardia I-rritability R-estless E-xcessive Hunger D-iaphoresis/ Depression S-hopping C-ooking and Cleaning U-sing telephone or transportaiton M-anaging money and medications M- Morphine O- Oxygen N- Nitroglycerine A- ASA M Morphine sulfate O Oxygen N Nitroglycerin A ASA H-eat I-nduration P-ain E-dema R-edness M= Muscle R= Respiratory D=Digestive I= Integumentary C= Circulatory E= Endocrine R= Reproductive U= Urinary N= Nervous S= Skeletal

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Hypoglycemia (TIRED) - an abnormal decrease of blood in the sugar

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For ventricular arrhythmias: AL Gluten Free Diet (ROW) Having difficulty distinguishing hypoplasia from hyperplasia?

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IADLS (Instrumental Activities of Daily Living) SCUM

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Immediate Treatment of a Myocardial Infarction Client (MONA) Immediate treatment of MI, think MONA:

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Heart sounds: Hyperkalemia Management (KIND) HYPERNATREMIA "You Are Fried"

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Inflammation (HIPER)

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Learning the Systems of the Body? MR DICE RUNS

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Left-Sided Heart Failure (CHOP)

C- Cough H- Hemoptysis O- Orthopnea P- Pulmonary Congestion (crackles/ rales)

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Lidocaine Toxicity (SAMS)

S-lurred Speech A-ltered Central Nervous System M-uscle Twitching S-eizures D- Distractibility I - Indiscretion G - Grandiosity F- Flight of Ideas A- Activity Increase S- Sleep Deficit T - Talkative

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Mneumonic device for remembering questions to ask emergency room admits:

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Major Symptoms of a Manic Attack (DIG FAST)

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Management of ASTHMA

A-drenergics (Albuterol) S-teroids T-heophylline H-ydration (IV) M-ask (Oxygen) A-ntibiotics M- Morphine O- Oxygen N- Nitrates (Nitroglycerin) A- Aspirin (ASA) T- Thormbolytics A- Anti-Coagulants S- Stool Softeners B1 Blocks the heart (you have only one heart) B2 Blocks the lungs (you have two lungs)
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Management of Myocardial Infarction (MONATAS)

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Memory Trick:Need to remember which kind of beta blocker has which action?

Car? (circumstances of event) Please (precipitating events) Listen (location of event) To This: (Time of event) Watch (when symptoms appeared) Underage (unconsciousness after injury?) Alcoholics (arrival time in ER) Heading (hospital admits previously?) Home (previous history/health status) And (allergies) Maybe (medications) Flattening (fears for safety) My (meal, time of last) Poodle (period, time of last menstrual) Dog (primary doctor, name and location of) Tonight (tetanus, date of last immunization) M - Muscle weakness U - Urine, oliguria, anuria R- Respiratory distress D - Decreased cardiac contractility E - ECG changes R - Reflexes, hyperreflexia, or areflexia (flaccid) B- Breasts U- Uterus B- Bladder B- Bowel function L- Lochia E- Episiotomy H- Homan's sign E- Emotional Status R- Respiratory System

MURDER Signs and Symptoms of Increased Serum K+

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Nine-point Postpartum Assessment... BUBBLEHER

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NSAID Drugs

N - Naproxen S - Salicylates A - Advil I - Ibuprofen D - Diclofenac S - Sulinclac R- Rest I - Ice C - Compression E- Elevation N - Non-reactive N - Non- Stress is N - Not good A-lcohol Use C-orticosteroid Use C-alcium low E-strogen low S-moking S-edentary lifestyle/s ACCESS leads to OSTEOPOROSIS

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Promotion of Normal Elimination (POOPER SCOOP)

P-osition O-utput O-ffer Fluids P-rivacy E-xercise R-eport Results S-ize (Amount) C-onsistency O-ccult Blood O-dor P-eristalsis

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Nursing Care for Sprains and Strains (RICE)

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OB Non-Stress Test (NNN) 3 negatives in a row to interpret results of NonStress Test Osteoporosis Risk Factors (ACCESS)

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Prostate Problems are no... FUN

F- Frequency U- Urgency N- Nocturia M-Morphine A-Aminophylline D- Digitalis D-Diuretics (Lasix) O- Oxygen G- ases (Blood Gases ABG's)

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Pulmonary Edema (MAD DOG)

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Outcome of Alcoholism: BAD Parkinson's Medications: "Ali Loves Boxing Matches"

B- Brain Damage A- Alcoholic Hallucinosis D- Death A-Amantadine L- Levodopa B- Bromocriptine M-MAO inhibitors Pupils Equally Round and Reactive to Light and Accomodation Drugs: opiates Drops: meds for glaucoma Nearly dead: damage in the pons area of the brainstem B-reasts U-terus B-owels B-ladder L-ochia E-pisiotomy/lateration/Csection incision

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Remember that here in the USA you D drive on the right side of the road. O= optical A= auditory

AD - right ear AS - left ear AU - both ears OD - right eye OS - left eye OU - both eyes

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PERRLA

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Right-Sided Heart Failure (HEAD)

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Pinpoint pupils: Drugs, drops & nearly dead

HHepatomegaly E- Edema (Bipedal) A- Ascites D- Distended Neck Vein S tupor/coma A norexia, N&V L ethargy T endon reflexes decreased L imp muscles (weakness) O rthostatic hypotension S eizures/headache S tomach cramping

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Post-Partum Assessment (BUBBLE)

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S/S of Hyponatremia

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Serious Complications of Oral Birth Control Pills (ACHES) Severe PreEclampsia (HELLP)

A- Abdominal Pain C - Chest Pain H - Headache E - Eye Problems S - Severe Leg Pain H- emolysis E- levated L- iver function tests L- ow P- latelet count F- Fever I- Itching S- Stiffness H- Headache E- Edema R- Redness F- Fussy L- Localized Tenderness A- Appetite decrease G- General Aches Pains Sick- easier to get sick Sad-causes depression Sex-increases libido Salt-retains more and causes weight gain Sugar-raises blood sugar Distant heart sounds Distended jugular veins Decreased pulse pressure (think of a narrow pulse pressure as opposed to a wide one) S Salivation L Lacrimation U Urination D Defication R- Ruthless A- Abusive P- Personal E- Experience Isotonic - "Same as I" - the solution used will be the same as normal body fluid composition. Fluids remain inside intravascular space. Hypotonic - "Hypo, hippo" - the solution pulls fluid from the intravascular space into the ICF - the cell "swells like a hippo".

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Symptoms of Hypoxia (in Pediatrics) - FINES

F-eeding difficulty I-nspiratory Stridor N-ares Flares E-xpiratory Grunting S-ternal Retractions Early Hypoxia: R-estlessness A-nxiety T-achycardia/ Tachypnea Late Hypoxia: B-radycardia E-xtreme Restlessness D-yspnea

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Symptoms of Hypoxia (RAT BED)

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side effects & adverse reactions to immunizations:

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Symptoms of Leukemia (ANT)

A- Anemia N- Neutropenia T- Thrombocytopenia T - Theophyline D - Dilantin C - Coumadin I - losone (Erythromycin) Hypotension Hpoxia Hypoglycemia Hypothermia* Pain, Pallor, Pulselessness, Parasthesia, Poikilothermia M - Medications - ACE inhibitors, NSAIDS A - Acidosis - Metabolic and respiratory C - Cellular destruction Burns, traumatic injury H - Hypoaldosteronism, hemolysis I - Intake - Excesssive N - Nephrons, renal failure E - Excretion - Impaired Assault on the respiratory system Respiratory distress Decreased lung compliance Severe respiratory failure

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TDCI (These Drugs Can Interact)

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Side effects of steroids. The 5 S's.

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The 4 H's that invalidate a neuro exam:

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Signs and symptoms of cardiac tamponade (Beck's Triad): The Three D's Signs of a Cholinergic Crisis, think SLUD: Situations requiring Crisis Situation: RAPE Solutions: Isotonic, Hypotonic, Hypertonic

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The 5 P's of circulation loss in a limb.

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The HYPERKALEMIA "Machine" - Causes of Increased Serum K+

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The pathophysiology of ARDS:

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Steps in the Nursing Process ADPIE (A Delicious PIE)

A-ssessment D- iagnosis P-lanning I-mplementation E-valuaton

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To remember the four causes of cell injury, think of how the injury tipped (or TIPD) the scale of homeostasis:

T: Toxin or other lethal (cytotoxic) substance I: Infection P: Physical insult or injury D: Deficit, or lack of water, oxygen, or nutrients. B: Bleeding gums E: Ecchymoses (bruises) E: Epistaxis (nosebleed) P: Petechiae (tiny purplish spots) C- Choking C- Coughing C - Cyanosis A-llergies M-edications P-ast Medical History L-ast Meal E-vents Surrounding Injury U-pright Position N-itrates (in low dose) L-asix O-xygen Aminophylline D-igoxin

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Treatment of CHF, think UNLOAD FAST:

U sit Upright N Nitro L Lasix O Oxygen A Aminophylline D Digoxin F Fluids- decrease A Afterload - decrease S Sodium - decrease T Tests: dig level, ABG, K+

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To remember which blood types are compatible, visualize the letter "O" as an orb representing the universe, because type O blood is the universal donor blood. Patients with any blood type can receive it. But O also means "odd man out": Patients with type O blood can receive only type O blood. Think BEEP to remember the signs of minor bleeding:

Trouble figuring out which eye is which?

OS is left eye OD is the right eye You can remember which one is the right eye (OD), because you can make the D into an R - You just have to draw to stick legs on the bottom of the D. Write it down on paper, you'll see what I mean (it's hard to show you when all I can do is type)

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Tracheal Esophageal Fistula (3 C's)

Use the ABCD rule to assess a mole's malignant potential:

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Trauma Surgery (AMPLE) after initial assessment

A: Asymmetry--Is the mole irregular in shape? B: Border--Is the border irregular, notched, or poorly defined? C: Color--Does the color vary (for example, between shades of brown, red, white, blue, or black)? D: Diameter--Is the diameter more than 6 mm? C-hild's excessive knowledge on sex & abusive words H-air growth in various lengths I-nconsistent stories from the child & parent/s L-ow self-esteem D-epression A-pathy, no emotion B-ruised U-nusual injuries S-erious injuries E-vidence of old injuries not reported

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Warning Signs of a Child Abuse/ Neglect: CHILD ABUSE

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Treating CHF (UNLOAD FAST)

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F-luids (decrease) A-fterload (decrease) S-odium restriction T-est (Dig level, ABGs, K level)

When asking assessment questions, remember the American Cancer Society's mnemonic device CAUTION:

C: Change in bowel or bladder habits A: A sore that doesn't heal U: Unusual bleeding or discharge T: Thickening or lump I: Indigestion or difficulty swallowing O: Obvious changes in a wart or mole N: Nagging cough or hoarseness.

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Who needs dialysis? (Check the vowels: AEIOU)

A- Acid-Base Problems E- Electrolyte Problems I- Intoxications O- Overload of fluids U - Uremic Symptoms