Mnemonics and Acronyms for Nursing School
Nursing School Study and Memory Tricks
Nursing School Mnemonics and Acronyms
Memory Tricks for Nursing Students
Mnemonics and Acronyms
A mnemonic is a concise phrase in which each letter stands for a word. An example of a mnemonic is MONA (morphine, oxygen,
nitroglycerin, and aspirin). The word mnemonic originates from the Greek term memory aid. Mnemonics can be used as a valuable
resource for nursing students to assist in the studying process. An acronym is an word or term that in which each letters of a phrase is
combined into an abbreviation. An example of an acronym is HELLP for HELLP Syndrome (hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, and low
platelets).
Learning Styles that Benefit
Mnemonic and acronym memory tricks can be helpful to many people, especially students with visual and aural learning styles. Visual
learners may utilize these techniques by closing their eyes and picturing the image or by visualizing the term in front of them while taking
an exam. Aural learners may remember hearing the memory trick uttered out loud by themselves or when another person spoke.
AIDS and HIV Acronyms and Mnemonics
HIV Prevention: Wrap, Glove and Shoot
Wrap it up (condom use in patients engaging in risky sexual practices)
Glove it up, and (health care workers need to wear gloves when exposure to blood, semen, or other bodily fluids is possible)
Dont shoot up (intravenous drug users must not share needles)
HIV Transmission: Vertical Versus Horizontal
Vertical: from mother to infant during birth; a baby comes out vertically from the pelvis
Horizontal: through body fluids; sexual intercourse occurs in a horizontal position
HIV and AIDS Risk Assessment: AIDS
Afraid that you have been exposed
Intravenous drug use
Diagnostic features of HIV infections; e.g.: reoccurring thrush infections)
Sexual behaviors of high risk; e.g.: multiple partners and unprotected sex
HIV Body Fluid Transmission: BBB 3-Point Mantra
Blood
Bodily sex fluids
Breast milk
HIV Drugs: ZZLSD
Zidovudine
Zalcitabine
Lamivudine
Stavudine
Didanosine
HIV Drugs: The three DEN ladies of NNRT:
Dela: Delavirdine
Efa: Efavirenz
Nevira: Nevirapine
HIV Drugs: We dont want our patients to RIP
RALFSINA are Inhibitors of Protease (Protease Inhibitors)
RALFSINA: Ritonavir, Amprenavir, Lopinavir, Fosamprinavir, Saquinavir, Indinavir, Nelfinavir, Azatanavir
Cardiovascular Acronyms and Mnemonics
Angina Precipitating Factors: 4 Es
Exertion: physical activity and exercise
Eating
Emotional distress
Extreme temperatures: hot or cold weather
Arterial Occlusion: 4 Ps
Pain
Pulselessness or absent pulse
Pallor
Paresthesia
Blood Pressure: BP = CO x SVR
Blood Pressure
Cardiac Output
Systemic Vascular Resistance
Congestive Heart Failure Treatment: MADD DOG
Morphine
Aminophylline
Digoxin
Dopamine
Diuretics
Oxygen
Gasses: Monitor arterial blood gasses
Cor Pulmonale Signs and Symptoms: Please Read His Text
Peripheral edema
Raised JVP
Hepatomegaly
Tricuspid incompetence
Coronary Arteries Location: Right CAMP Left ARC (I have a Right to CAMP if you Left
an ARC)
Right = Right
Coronary
Artery
Marginal Artery
Posterior Interventricular Artery
Left = Left
Anterior Interventricular Artery
Circumflex Artery
Endocarditis: FAME
Fever
Anemia
Murmur = think Endocarditis
Heart Murmur Causes: SPAMS
Stenosis of a valve
Partial obstruction
Aneurysms
Mitral regurgitation
Septal defect
Heart Sounds: All People Enjoy the Mall
Aortic: 2nd right intercostal space
Pulmonic: 2nd left intercostal space
Erbs Point: 3rd left intercostal space
Tricuspid: 4th left intercostal space
Mitral or Apex: 5th left intercostal space
Hypertension Care: DIURETIC
Daily weight
I/Os
Urine output
Response of blood pressure
Electrolytes
Take pulse
Ischemic episodes or TIAs
Complications: CVA, CAD, CHR, CRF
Myocardial Infarction Nursing Management: BOOMAR
Bed rest
Oxygen therapy
Opioids: morphine
Monitoring: vitals, arterial blood gases, cardiac enzymes, and other blood work
Anticoagulation therapy
Reduce clot size
Myocardial Infarction Treatment: MONA (or ON AM for the correct order)*
Morphine
Oxygen
Nitroglycerin
Aspirin
*The correct order of MONA interventions is oxygen, nitroglycerin, aspirin, and then morphine. This can be remembered by the mnemonic:
ON AM (I am ON fire in the AM as I am a morning person)
Shortness of Breath (SOB) Causes: AAAPPP
Airway obstruction
Angina
Anxiety
Asthma
Pneumonia
Pneumothorax
Pulmonary Edema
Pulmonary Embolus
Stroke Signs: FAST
Face
Arms
Speech
Time
Tetralogy of Fallot: PROVe
P: pulmonary stenosis (narrowed pulmonary artery)
R: right ventricular hypertrophy (enlarged right ventricle)
O: overriding aorta (malposition of the aorta over both ventricles)
V: ventricular septal defect
e*
*The lowercase e is intentionally left blank
Ventricular Arrhythmias Drugs: AL
Amiodorone
Lidocaine
Critical Care Acronyms and Mnemonics
Advanced Life Support: LEAN
Lidocaine
Epinephrine
Atropine
Narcan
Compartment Syndrome Signs and Symptoms: 5 Ps
Pain
Pallor
Pulse declined or absent
Pressure increased
Paresthesia
Emergent Syncope: CRAPS
Cardiac
Ruptured AAA (abdominal aortic aneurysm or triple A)
Aortic stenosis
Pulmonary embolism (PE)
SAH
Shock Characteristics: HYPO-TACHY-TACHY
Hypotension
Tachycardia
Tachypnea
Shock Signs and Symptoms: CHORD ITEM
Cold, clammy skin
Hypotension
Oliguria
Rapid, shallow breathing
Drowsiness, confusion
Irritability
Tachycardia
Elevated or reduced central venous pressure
Multi-organ damage
Shock Differential: CHORD
Cardiac
Hypovolemia
Obstructive (tension pneumothorax, tamponade, PE)
Respiratory/medical (hypoxia, acidosis, hypothermia, hyperkalemia, OD)
Distributive (spinal shock, anaphylaxis, sepsis)
Shock Types: SHRIMP CAN
Septic
Hemorrhagic
Respiratory
Insulin- hypoglycemia from insulin overdose or extreme hyperglycemia -diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA)
Metabolic
Psychogenic
Cardiogenic
Anaphylactic
Neurogenic
Shock Types: RN CHAMPS
Respiratory
Neurogenic
Cardiogenic
Hemorrhagic
Anaphylactic
Metabolic
Psychogenic
Septic
Trauma Complications: TRAUMATIC
Tissue perfusion issues
Respiratory problems
Anxiety
Unstable clotting factors
Malnutrition
Altered body image
Thromboembolism
Infection
Crush syndrome and coping problems
Trauma Survey: AMPLE (following initial assessment)
Allergies
Medications
Previous medical history
Last meal
Events surrounding the injury or what happened
Diabetes Acronyms and Mnemonics
Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA) Treatment: KING UFC
K+ (potassium)
Insulin
Nasogastric tube: if the patient is comatose
Glucose: once serum levels drop
Urea: monitoring
Fluids: crystalloids
Creatinine: monitor and catheterize
Exercise Regimen for Patients with Diabetes: FIT
Frequency: 3 times a week
Intervals: 30 minutes a day
Time
Hyperglycemia Versus Hypoglycemia
Hot and dry: sugar high
Cold and clammy: need some candy
Hypoglycemia Causes and Characteristics: RE-EXPLAIN
REnal failure
EXogenous
Pituitary
Liver failure
Alcohol
Infection
Neoplasm
Hypoglycemia Signs: TIRED
Tachycardia
Irritability
Restlessness
Excessive hunger
Depression and diaphoresis
Mixing 2 Types of Insulin in 1 Syringe: Clear, Cloudy, Cloudy, Clear
Clear before cloudy
Cloudy before clear
Diagnostic Acronyms and Mnemonics
Medical Diagnosis: MIDNIT
Metabolic
Inflammatory
Degenerative
Neoplastic
Infectious
Trauma
Electrolyte Acronyms and Mnemonics
Hypernatremia Signs and Symptoms: FRIED SALT
Flush skin and fever (low-grade)
Restless, irritable, anxious, confused
Increased blood pressure and fluid retention
Edema: peripheral and pitting
Decreased urine output and dry mouth
Skin flushed
Agitation
Low-grade fever
Thirst
Hypernatremia Causes: MODEL
Meals (high intake) and medications
Osmotic diuresis
Diabetes Insipidus
Excessive loss of water
Low intake of water
Hypocalcaemia Signs and Symptoms: CATS
Convulsions
Arrhythmias
Tetany
Stridor and spasms
Hyperkalemia Causes: MACHINE
Meds: ACE inhibitors, NSAIDS, Diuretics (potassium sparing)
Acidosis: metabolic and respiratory
Cellular destruction: burns, traumatic injury
Hypoaldosteronism and hemolysis
Intake: excessive dietary (eg: salt replacements that contain potassium)
Nephrons: renal failure
Excretion: impaired
Hyperkalemia Signs and Symptoms: MURDER
Muscle cramps that progress to weakness
Urine abnormalities: oliguria or anuria (output less than 30 mL/hour or no output)
Respiratory distress
Decreased cardiac contractility
EKG changes
Reflexes: hyperreflexia or areflexia (flaccidity)
Hyperkalemia Treatment: C BIG K DROP
Calcium
Bicarbonate
Insulin
Glucose
Kayexalate
Diuretics and dialysis
Hypokalemia Signs and Symptoms: A SIC WALT
Alkalosis
Shallow Respirations
Irritability
Confusion and drowsiness
Weakness and fatigue
Arrhythmias: tachycardia or bradycardia, irregular rhythm
Lethargy
Thready Pulse
(Other signs: decreased intestinal mobility, vomiting, and ileus)
Hypokalemia Causes and Characteristics: SUCTION
Skeletal muscle weakness
U-wave on EKG
Constipation
Toxicity to digoxin
Irregular and weak pulse
Otostasis
Numbness paresthesia
Hypokalemia Signs and Symptoms: 6 Ls
Lethargy
Leg cramps
Limp muscles
Low, shallow respirations
Lethal cardiac dysrhythmias
Lots of urine (polyuria)
Endocrine System Acronyms and Mnemonics
Acute Pancreatitis Etiology: GET SMASHD
Gallstones
Ethanol
Trauma
Steroids
Mumps
Autoimmune (PAN)
Scorpion bites
Hyperlipidemia
Drugs such as azathioprine and diuretics
Fundamental Nursing Acronyms and Mnemonics
Activities of Daily Living (ADLs): BATTED
Bathing
Nursing Articles
Care Plans
Ambulation
HOME
Toileting
ABOUT US
JOURNALS
Career
PAGE NAVIGATION MAP
MED MATH
Clinicals
School
MNEMONICS & ACRONYMS
Students
CLASS NOTES
Transfers
Eating
Dressing
Bleeding Precautions: RANDI
Razor blades and electric blades
Aspirin
Needles: particularly smaller gauges (which are larger in diameter)
Decrease number of needle sticks
Injury risk prevention
Cane Ambulation: COAL
Cane
Opposite
Affected
Leg
Care Planning- Determining Interventions: The 3 Cs
Collaboration
Cooperation
Compromise
Hypertension Complications: The 4 Cs
Coronary artery disease (CAD)
Congestive heart failure (CHF)
Chronic renal failure (CRF)
Cardiovascular accident (CVA): brain attack or stroke
Hypertension Nursing Interventions: I TIRED!
Intake and output (urine)
Take blood pressure
Ischemia attack, transient (TIAs): monitors for signs
Respiration and pulse monitoring
Electrolytes: obtain orders for blood work and monitor values
Daily weights (morning time with clothes of similar weight)
Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADLs): SCUM
Shopping
Cooking
Using the telephone and transportation (driving, public, or ability to independently arrange transportation services)
Money and medication management
Pain Assessment: PQRST
What Provokes the pain
Study
What is the Quality of the pain?
Does the pain Radiate?
What is the Severity of the pain?
What is the Timing of the pain?
Pain Management: ABCDE
Assess for pain and ask about the pain
Believe the patients account of pain description (subjective data)
Choices: inform patients of their options for pain relief
Deliver possible therapeutic interventions when you said you would
Empower and enable the patient to have pain control
Stool Assessment: FACT
Frequency
Amount
Color and consistency
Timing
Walker Ambulation: Wandering Wilmas Always Late
Walk
With
Affected
Leg
Hepatic Acronyms and Mnemonics
Portal Hypertension Symptoms: ABCDE
Ascites
Bleeding (hematemesis, piles)
Caput medusa
Diminished liver
Enlarged spleen
Home Health and Hospice Acronyms and Mnemonics
BREAKS 6-Step Protocol
Step 1: B- Background
Step 2: R- Rapport
Step 3: E- Explore
Step 4: A- Announce
Step 5: K- Kindling
Step 6: S- Summarize
Home Health Nursing Manager: CAME
Clinician: provides for patient assessment and problem solving through nursing interventions
Advocate: works to protect the rights of the patient and deals with issues such as insurance negotiation
Manager: manages home health care cases
Educator: educating patients in the home setting is crucial the hospital environment may not permit adequate time for thorough
teaching
SPIKES Protocol for Delivering Bad News
Step 1: S- Set up the interview
Step 2: P- Perception assessment
Step 3: I- Invitation
Step 4: K- Knowledge and information
Step 5: E- Emotions and empathy
Step 6: S- Strategize and summarize
Immunological Acronyms and Mnemonics
Hypersensitivity Reactions Types: ACID
Type 1: Anaphylaxis
Type 2: Cytotoxic mediated
Type 3: Immune complex mediated
Type 4: Delayed hypersensitivity
Postoperative Fever Etiologies: 5 Ws
Wind: pneumonia and atelectasis
Wound: wound and surgical incision infections
Water: urinary tract infection
Walking: deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolus
Wonder-drugs: especially anesthesia
Gastrointestinal Acronyms and Mnemonics
IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome): ABCS
Abdominal distension
Bloating
Constipation and diarrhea (alternating cycles)
Stools with mucus
RLQ Pain: APPENDICITIS
Appendicitis or abscess
Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) or period
Pancreatitis
Ectopic pregnancy or endometriosis
Neoplasia
Diverticulitis
Intussusception
Crohns disease or cyst (ovarian)
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
Torsion (ovary)
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
Stones (renal calculi)
Lab Value Acronyms and Mnemonics
Acid Base: ROME
Respiratory (acidosis and alkalosis)
Opposite: pH & CO2 = Acidosis; pH CO2 = Alkalosis
Metabolic (acidosis and alkalosis)
Equal: pH & HCO3 = Acidosis; pH & HCO3 = Alkalosis
Calcium: 8.5-10
Childrens bones grow strong between ages 8 -10
This is a way to remember the normal range of calcium values
Potassium: 3.5 -5 POTS
Children age 3 -5 like to play with POTS (example: making mud pies)
This is a way to remember the normal range of potassium values
Lab Values from Lowest to Highest: Miss Piggy & Kermit Came Home on Cloud Nine
Miss: Magnesium = 1.5-2.5
Piggy: Phosphate = 2.5-4.5
&
Kermit: (K) Potassium = 3.5-5.5
Came: Calcium = 8.5-10.5
Home: HCO2 = 22-26
On: Oxygen Saturation = 95-100%
Cloud: Chloride = 95-104
Nine: (Na) Sodium = 135-145
Order of the Draw: My Purse Gets Big*
Marble
Purple
Green
Blue
* Theres a male version of this mnemonic- use your imagination guys!
White Blood Cells (WBC) Values: Never Let Monkeys Eat Bananas
Neutrophil: 50-70%
Lymphocytes: 25-35%
Monocytes:4-6%
Eosinophils:1-3%
Basophils: 0.4-1%
White Blood Cells (WBC) Values: Never Let Mom Eat Beans
Neutrophil: 50-70%
Lymphocytes: 25-35%
Monocytes:4-6%
Eosinophils:1-3%
Basophils: 0.4-1%
Musculoskeletal Acronyms and Mnemonics
Fracture Treatment: PRICE
Pressure
Rest
Ice
Compression
Elevation
Musculoskeletal Injury Assessment: 5 Ps
Pain
Pulse
Paresthesia
Paralysis
Pallor
Traction Patient Care: TRACTION
Temperature of extremity is assessed for signs of infection
Ropes hang freely
Alignment of body and injured area
Circulation check (5 Ps)
Type and location of fracture
Increase fluid intake
Overhead trapeze
No weights on bed or floor
Neurological Acronyms and Mnemonics
Autonomic Nervous System Response: Stress Versus Peace
Stress = Sympathetic: fight or flight
Peace = Parasympathetic: rest and digest
Cholinergic Crisis: SLUD
Salivation
Lacrimation
Urination
Defecation
Cushings Triad- Increased Intracranial Pressure (ICP): HYPER-BRADY-BRADY
Hypertension
Bradycardia
Bradypnea
Dementia and Delirium Causes: DEMENTIA
Diabetes
Ethanol
Medication
Environmental (example: lead poisoning)
Nutritional
Trauma
Infection and sepsis
Alzheimers disease
Remember: delirium is has a rapid onset and is temporary while dementia is progressive and often secondary to chronic neurological
disorders such as Alzheimers disease
Huntingtons Disease Pathophysiology and Etiology: HUNT 4 DATE
HUNTingtons on chromosome 4
With cauDATE nucleus involvement
Meningeal Spaces: ESS (Eat Some Darn Sunflower Seeds)
Epidural space: located between the dura mater and the skull
SubDural space: located between the arachnoid membrane and dura mater
Subarachnoid Space: located between the arachnoid membrane and the pia mater
Meninges: PAD (an Inner to Outer PAD Covers the Brain)
Pia matter: innermost brain cover; comes into direct contact with the brain
Arachnoid membrane: middle cover; cerebrospinal fluid (CFS) lies underneath
Dura matter: outermost brain cover; protects the meningeal arteries and veins
Meningococcal Meningitis Complications: SAD REP
Sepsis, shock, and subdural effusion
Ataxia and abscess of the brain
DIC and deafness
Retardation
Epilepsy
Paralysis
Miosis Causes: CPR ON SLIME
Clonidine
Phenothiazines
Resting (deep sleep)
Opiates
Narcotics
Stroke (pontine hemorrhage)
Lomotil (diphenoxylate)
Insecticides
Mushrooms/ Muscarinic (inocybe, clitocybe)
Parkinsons Disease Cardinal Signs: TRAP
Tremor
Rigidity
Akinesia and bradykinesia
Postural Instability
Sensory- the 5 Senses in Medical Terms: GOOTA (like the Cheese*)
Gustatory (taste)
Occipital (vision)
Olfactory (smell; aka: nosmia)
Tactile (touch; aka: kinesthetic)
Auditory (hearing; aka: aural)
*The actual cheese is spelled gouda
Vertigo Causes: DEMENTIA
Vestibulitis
Ototoxic drug
Menieres disease
Injury
Tumor
Spinning (benign positional vertigo)
Obstetrics (OB) Acronyms and Mnemonics
Postpartum Assessment: BUBBLE-HE
Breasts
Uterus
Bladder
Bowels
Lochia
Emotional status
Hemorrhoids, hematoma, and anal fissures
Episiotomy
Fetal Heart Monitoring: VEAL CHOP
Variability = Compression
Early Decelerations = Head
Accelerations = Oxygenation
Late Decelerations = Placental insufficiency
Hemolysis, Hepatic Enzymes, Low Platelets: HELLP
Hemolysis
Elevated
Liver Enzymes
Low
Platelets
Magnesium Sulphate Toxicity Signs: BURP
Blood pressure decrease
Urine output decrease
Respiratory rate decrease
Patellar reflex absent
Postpartum Perineal Assessment: REEDA
Redness
Edema
Ecchymosis
Discharge
Approximation
Shaken Baby Syndrome Risks: PURPLE
Peak of crying
Unexpected
Resist soothing
Pain like pain even in absence of pain
Long lasting
Evening
Tocolysis Drugs or Uterine Relaxants: Its Not My Time
Its Not My Time:
Indomethacin (NSAID)
Nifedipine (calcium channel blocker)
Magnesium Sulphate
Terbutaline (adrenergic agonist)
Viral Prenatal Testing: TORCH
Toxoplasmosis
Other viruses
Rubella
Cytomegalovirus
Hepatitis A and B
Oncology Acronyms and Mnemonics
Cancer Early Warning Signs: CAUTION UP
Change in bowel or bladder
A lesion that does not heal
Unusual bleeding or discharge
Thickening or lump in breast or elsewhere
Indigestion or difficulty swallowing
Obvious changes in wart or mole
Nagging cough or persistent hoarseness
Unexplained weight loss
Pernicious Anemia
Leukemia Signs and Symptoms: ANT
Anemia and decreased hemoglobin
Neutropenia and increased risk of infection
Thrombocytopenia and increased risk of bleeding
Pediatric Acronyms and Mnemonics
Diarrhea; Causes of Chronic Diarrhea: 5 Cs
Cows milk intolerance (lactose intolerance)
Celiac disease
Colitis (ulcerative)
Cystic fibrosis
Crohns disease
Downs Syndrome Characteristics: DOWN
Decreased alphafetoprotein and unconjugated estriol
One extra chromosome 21
Women over 40
Nondisjunction during maternal meiosis
Downs Syndrome Characteristics: my CHILD HAS A PROBLEM
Congenital heart disease and cataracts
Hypotonia and hypothyroidism
Increased gap between 1st and 2nd toe
Lung issues and leukemia risks x 2
Delayed development and duodenal atresia
Hirschsprungs disease and hearing loss
Alzheimers disease
Slanted eyes, short limbs, and short neck
Protruding tongue and palmar crease
Round face and rolling eye or nystagmus
Occiput flat and oblique eye fissure
Brushfield spot and brachycephaly
Low nasal bridge and language problem
Epicanthic fold and ear folded
Mental retardation and myoclonus
Hypoxia Signs in Neonates and Infants: FINES
Feeding difficulty
Inspiratory stridor
Nares flaring
Expiratory grunting
Sternal retractions
Scarlet Fever: 6 Ss
Streptococci causal organism
Sore throat
Swollen tonsils
Strawberry tongue
Sandpaper rash
Sudamina (military) vesicles: over hands, feet, abdomen
Sickle Cell Anemia Crisis Treatment: HOP
Hydration
Oxygenation
Pain
Pharmacology Acronyms and Mnemonics
6 Rights of Drug Administration- Patients Do Drugs Round The Day: PPDRTD
Right Patient
Right Medication
Right Dose
Right Route
Right Time
Right Documentation
6 Rights of Drug Administration: DR. TIMED
Right Dose
Right Route
Right Time
Right Individual
Right Medication
Right Expiration date*
Right Documentation
*Some students are taught to include right effect as well: the expected outcomes of treatment
Antihypertensives: ABC
ACE Inhibitors
Beta Blocker (LOLs)
Calcium Channel Blockers
Bradycardia Drugs: IDEA
Isoproterenol
Dopamine
Epinephrine
Atropine
Bronchodilators: TO A SIS
Terbutaline
Orciprenaline
Adrenaline
Salbutamol
Isoprenaline
Salmeterol
IM Gluteal Injection: Shut UP and BUTT OUT
The Upper Outer quadrant of the Buttock
This avoids hitting the sciatic nerve
Interactions: These Drugs Can Interact
Theophyline
Dilantin
Coumadin
losone (Erythromycin)
Lidocaine Toxicity: SAMS
Seizures
Altered central nervous system
Muscle twitching
Slurred speech
Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs: NSAIDS
Naproxen
Salicylates
Advil
Ibuprofen
Diclofenac
Sulinclac
Tuberculosis Drugs: PERIS
Pyrazinamide (Rolab-Pyrazinamide, Pyrazide, Rozide, Isopas)
Ethambutol (Purderal, Rolab-Ethambutol)
Rifampin (Rifacap 150, Rifacap 450, Rimactane 600, Rifinah 300)
Isoniazid (Lennon-Isoniazid, Be-tabs Isoniazid, Norstan-Isoniazid)
Streptomycin (Aminoglycoside: streptomycine, streptomycin sulfate or streptomycin nitrate)
Tuberculosis Drugs (and Major Side Effects): RIPES
Rifampicin: red-orange secretions and urine
Isoniazid: peripheral neuritis
Pyrazinamide: increased uric acid
Ethambutol: visual problems
Streptomycin: ototoxic
Psych Class Acronyms and Mnemonics
Alcohol Use Screening: CAGE
Cut back: has anyone ever suggested that you cut back on drinking?
Annoyed: has anyone ever expressed being annoyed at your drinking habits?
Guilt: do you ever feel guilty about your drinking?
Eye opener: do you ever feel the urge to have a morning drink as an eye opener?
Altered Mental Status: DIM TOP (as in his head aint right!)
Drugs: prescription, illicit, accidental overdose, and toxicity of unknown origin
Infections: meningitis, encephalitis, sepsis, urinary tract infections, and others
Metabolic: hypoglycemia, hyponatremia, and other imbalances
Trauma: head, c-spine, and blood loss
Oxygen deficit: CNS hypoxia, metabolic
Psychological: diagnosis of exclusion
Bipolar Disorder Manic Episode Signs: DIG FAST
Distractibility
Indiscretion, impatience, and irritability
Grandiosity
Flight of ideas and energy
Activity increase
Sleep deficit
Talkative- excessively
Depression Assessment Signs: CAPS
Concentration impaired or decreased
Appetite changes
Psychomotor function decreased
Suicidal ideations and sleep disturbances
Depression Assessment Signs: SIG
Sleep disturbances
Interest decreased
Guilty feelings
Generalized Anxiety Disorder: Worry WARTS
Wound up
Worn-out
Absentmindedness
Restless
Touchy
Sleepless
Major Depressive Disorder: SIG E CAPS
Suicidal thoughts
Interests decreased
Guilt
Energy decreased
Concentration decreased
Appetite disturbance
Psychomotor changes
Sleep disturbances
OARS: Motivational Interviewing
Open-ended questions
Affirmations
Reflections
Summaries
Psych Assessment: Always Send Mail To the Post Office
Appearance
Speech
Mood and Memory
Thoughts
Perception
Orientation
Schizophrenia Primary Symptoms: 4 As
Affect
Ambivalence
Associative looseness
Autism
Suicide Attempt Warning Signs: Is Path Warm?
Ideation
Substance Abuse
Purposelessness
Anxiety
Trapped
Hopelessness
Withdrawal
Anger
Recklessness
Mood Changes
Public Health Nursing Acronyms and Mnemonics
The 3 Epidemiological Health Models: WEB
Web of Causation Epidemiological Health Model
Epidemiological Triangle Health Model
BEINGS Epidemiological Health Model
Epidemiological Health Model: BEINGS
Biological and behavioral factors
Environmental factors
Immunological factors
Nutritional factors
Genetic factors
Services, social factors, and spiritual factors
Renal System Acronyms and Mnemonics
Patients Who Require Dialysis: AEIOU (The Vowels)
Acid base imbalance
Electrolyte imbalances
Intoxication
Overload of fluids
Uremic symptoms
Reproductive System Acronyms and Mnemonics
Intrauterine Device (IUD) Complications: PAINS
Period irregularities: late, spotting, heavy bleeding
Abdominal pain, dyspareunia
Infection: pelvic- abnormal vaginal discharge
Not feeling well: fever or chills
String missing
Oral Birth Control Pills Complications: ACHES
Abdominal pain
Chest pain
Headache
Eye problems
Severe leg pain (DVT)
Respiratory System Acronyms and Mnemonics
Asthma Management: ASTHMA
Adrenergics: albuterol and other bronchodilators
Steroids
Theophylline
Hydration: intravenous fluids
Mask: oxygen therapy
Antibiotics (for associated respiratory infections)
Dyspnea: the 6 Ps
Pump failure
Pulmonary embolus
Pulmonary bronchial constriction
Possible obstruction from a foreign body
Pneumonia
Pneumothorax
Epiglottitis: AIR RAID
Airway Closed
Increased Pulse
Restlessness
Retractions
Anxiety Increased
Inspiratory Stridor
Drooling
Hypoxia: RAT (signs of early) BED (signs of late)
Restlessness
Anxiety
Tachycardia and tachypnea
Bradycardia
Extreme restlessness
Dyspnea
Pneumothorax Signs: P-THORAX
Pleuretic pain
Trachea deviation
Hyperresonance
Onset sudden
Reduced breath sounds (& dyspnea)
Absent fremitus
X-ray shows collapsed lung
Respiratory Depression Inducing Drugs: STOP
Sedatives and hypnotics
Trimethoprim
Opiates: example- morphine
Polymyxins
Urinary System Acronyms and Mnemonics
Urinary Catheter (Foley) Documentation: DASP
Description of urine: color, clarity, sediments, odor
Amount of urine: measured in milliliters (mLs)
Size of catheter: the diameter of the tubing
Procedure performed: example- placement of a new foley, foley care, or foley removal
Transient Incontinence Causes: DIAPERS
Delirium
Infection
Atrophic urethra
Pharmaceuticals and psychological
Excess urine output
Restricted mobility
Stool impaction
Resources for Nursing Students on Mnemonics, Acronyms, and Other Study Tricks
Acronym Finder. Home Page. Retrieved from www.acronymfinder.com/
Acronyms Online. Home Page. Retrieved from acronymsonline.com/main.htm
Lippincotts Nursing Center. Nursing Tips. Retrieved from http://www.nursingcenter.com/lnc/static?pageid=1141955#medications
MediLexicon. Medical Acronyms and Abbreviations: http://www.medilexicon.com/
Medical Mnemonics. Home Page. Retrieved from http://www.medicalmnemonics.com/
Medstract. Medical Acronyms. Retrieved from medstract.org/
Silmaril. Acronyms. Retrieved from http://silmaril.ie/cgi-bin/uncgi/acronyms
VARK. Learning Style Assessment and Study Strategy Help Sheets. Retrieved from http://www.vark-learn.com/english/page.asp?
p=helpsheets
Wordsmith. Anagram Index. Retrieved from http://wordsmith.org/anagram/index.html
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