50 NURSING MNEMONICS AND ACRONYMS YOU NEED TO KNOW NOW
Nursing Mnemonics and Acronyms (Cardiovascular System)
4723 Mnemonics and acronyms help us retain information more efficiently. These can be helpful especially if you have an upcoming exam or if you are reviewing for NCLEX-RN. Always remember that it’s not always about how hard you study, but how smart you use your time to absorb as much information as you can. Here are 50 Nursing mnemonics and acronyms every nurse should know now:
Angina is not a disease, but a symptom of an underlying heart condition. Angina is commonly associated with discomfort or tightness across the front of the chest. Symptoms are usually caused by precipitating factors such as exertion, eating a large meal , emotional distress or extreme temperatures. The pain may also be felt in the arms, neck, jaw or stomach.
2. Circulatory Checks — 5 P’s. Nursing Mnemonics and Acronyms (Cardiovascular System) 1. Angina Precipitating Factors — 4 E’s.
o Pulses are assessed to check the circulatory flow. Absence of pulses may indicate blockage or decreased blood flow. o Pallor is assessed by checking the temperature and color of the patient’s affected limb. A cool or pale limb is indicative of insufficient circulation, while a bluish color is a sign of venous stasis.
3. Hypertension Nursing Care — “DIURETIC.”
The circulatory system’s role is to transport oxygen and nutrients throughout the body. When a person is in a critical state, one of the most important things to do is to assess the person’s nerve function and blood flow. o Pain is assessed using the pain scale and by asking the patient about the characteristics of the pain. o Paresthesia can be assessed by applying stimulation near and distant to the affected area. Ask the patient to report tingling sensation and a decrease or loss of sensation. o Paralysis is assessed by asking the patient to flex and extend each ankle, wrist, toe and finger. Take note of pain upon movement or rest.
Hypertension occurs when a person’s blood pressure remains elevated. Aside from being the most common health problem
among adults, hypertension is also the leading risk factor for cardiovascular disorders. Nurses may care for patients with hypertension by taking their daily weight to be able to take note of any unnecessary weight gain or loss, checking their daily intake and output, taking note of their urine output (amount and color), their electrolytes level, their pulses and if there are any ischemic episodes.
Hypertension is the most common risk factor for cardiovascular disorders. These disorders are pretty simple to memorize, as all of them start with the letter C: Coronary Artery Disease (CAD), Coronary Rheumatic Fever (CRF), Congestive Heart Failure (CHF) and Cardiovascular Accident (CVA).
5. Causes of Heart Murmur — “SPAMS.”
4. Complications of Hypertension — 4 C’s.
Heart murmurs are abnormal heart sounds that are loud enough to be heard through auscultation, and are produced when blood flows through defective valves.
Common causes include stenosis or the narrowing of a valve, a partial obstruction or aneurysm (a bulging in an artery). Another cause is mitral regurgitation which is a disorder in which valves do not close properly. Septal defects, which are usually acquired by birth, may also cause murmurs.
point at the 3rd left intercostal space; the tricuspid at the 4th left intercostal space; and the apex or the mitral at the 5th left intercostal space.
7. Myocardial Infarction Nursing Management — “BOOMAR.” 6. Heart Sounds — “APETM” — “All People Enjoy The Mall.”
Heart sounds may be heard through auscultation. You can assess the heart sounds through different auscultatory sites. The aortic heart sound is located at the 2nd right intercostal space; the pulmonic at the 2nd left intercostal space; Erb’s
Cardiac ischemia occurs when a portion of the heart is starved of oxygen. If ischemia lasts too long, the starved tissue dies, causing myocardial infarction.
8. Myocardial Infarction Treatment — “ON AM.”
Initial therapy for acute myocardial infarction must be directed towards restoration of perfusion. Further treatment, however, is based on pain relief, restoration of balance between oxygen supply and demand, and prevention or control of any developing complications. *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).
9. Causes of Shortness of Breath — “AAAAPPPP.”
Shortness of breath (SOB) or difficulty of breathing (DOB) is usually caused by many factors such as heart and lung conditions. Problems involving the transport of oxygen to tissues may affect breathing.
10. Signs of Stroke — “FAST.”
A stroke is a medical emergency that occurs due to obstruction of blood flow in the brain or the rupture of a blood vessel. The three kinds of stroke are ischemic, hemorrhagic, and transient ischemic attack (TIA).
Compartment Syndrome is a painful and life-threatening condition that occurs when too much pressure builds up inside an enclosed space in the body. It usually results from bleeding or swelling after an injury.
11. Compartment Syndrome Signs and Symptoms — 5 P’s.
12. Emergent Syncope — “CRAPS.”
Syncope (fainting) is the partial or complete loss of consciousness, and is usually related to insufficient blood flow to the brain.
Shock is a life-threatening condition that occurs when there is lack of blood circulation in the body. It may lead to serious complications such as heart failure or even multiple organ failure.
13. Shock Signs and Symptoms — “CHORD ITEM.” 14. Trauma Complications — “TRAUMATIC.”
Trauma may put patients at risk of so many complications such as malnutrition. Periods of recuperation from severe trauma may interrupt work, social interactions and wellbeing, among many others. Problems associated with trauma include anxiety, unstable clotting factors, malnutrition, altered body image, thromboembolism, infection, Crush syndrome and coping problems. These complications may be remembered easily with the acronym TRAUMATIC.
15. Cyanotic Defects — 4 T’s.
Cyanotic defects are a group of different heart conditions that are present at birth (congenital) and result in a low blood oxygen level. These defects affect blood flow through the heart and lungs, causing non-oxygenated blood to be pumped out to the body. Common signs and symptoms include clubbing, crying, tachycardia, tachypnea, unusually large toes and fingernails and delayed development. There are four common cyanotic defects (4 T’s): Tetralogy of Fallot is a combination of four heart defects which cause oxygen-poor blood to flow out of the heart and into the rest of the body. Children with Tetralogy of Fallot are usually cyanotic or have blue-tinged skin.
Truncus Arteriosus is a heart defect characterized by one large blood vessel branching out of the heart, instead of two. Also, the two lower chambers of the heart are missing a portion of the wall that divides them. This results to the mixing together of oxygen-righ and oxygen-poor blood. Transposition of the great arteries is a rare congenital heart defect in which the two main arteries leaving the heart are reversed. It leads to a shortage of oxygen in the blood that flows from the heart to the rest of the body. Tricuspid atresia is a congenital defect wherein one of the valves between two of the heart’s chambers is not formed. This means the blood cannot flow through the heart and into the lungs to pick up oxygen as it normally would.
NURSING MNEMONICS AND ACRONYMS (NURSING ASSESSMENT AND MANAGEMENT)
Nurses need a systematic approach to pain assessment and evaluation in order to improve the well-being of their patients. When assessing pain, nurses need to ask what provokes the pain, it’s quality, whether it radiates or not, it’s severity, as well as it’s timing.
2. Pain Management — “ABCDE.” 1187K+ 1. Pain Assessment — “PQRST.”
Pain management always starts with patient assessment. You can then provide the patients with options for pain relief, deliver the possible interventions and enable the patient to have pain control. These steps may be remembered through the acronym “ABCDE.”
Hypersensitivity means there is a heightened response in a body tissue to an antigen or a foreign body. Normally, the body responds to an antigen by producing certain antibodies. The resulting immune response may lead to cell damage. Substances released from damaged cells called histamines cause dilation of small blood vessels, tissue inflammation, and constriction of the bronchi of the lungs.
3. Hypersensitivity Reaction Types — “ACID.” 4. Right Lower Quadrant Pain Possibilities — “APPENDICITIS.”
Any masses upon palpation in the left lower quadrant may indicate uterine fibroids or ovarian tumors, while the spleen may be palpated over the left upper quadrant only if it is enlarged.
5. Post-operative Fever Etiologies — 5 W’s.
The right lower quadrant contains the large and small intestines, as well as the appendix and the ovaries (in female patients). The right upper quadrant, on the other hand, contains the liver, gallbladder, tail of the pancreas, the right kidney and its adrenal gland. Pain or tenderness in the right upper quadrant may reveal kidney disease, while pain when palpating the right lower quadrant may indicate appendicitis. In the left upper quadrant, you will find the stomach, spleen, head of the pancreas and the left kidney with adrenal gland. The left lower quadrant contains the left ovary and the uterus in female patients.
Post-operative fever is a condition wherein there is an abnormally high temperature following a surgical procedure. Factors that may cause post-operative fever are the following: Wind (pneumonia and atelectasis), Wound (surgical incision infections), Water (urinary tract infection), Walking
(deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolus) and Wonderdrugs (especially anesthesia).
6. Causes of Dementia and Delirium — “DEMENTIA.”
Delirium, on the other hand, is defined as an acute change in cognition and a disturbance of consciousness. Patients suffering from delirium may fall in and out of consciousness and there may be problems with awareness, attention, emotions, muscle control, sleeping and waking. Remember: Delirium has a rapid onset and is temporary while dementia is progressive and often secondary to chronic neurological disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease.
7. Depression Assessment Signs — “CAPS.”
Dementia is defined as the loss of mental functions such as thinking, memory, and reasoning, which is severe enough to interfere with a patient’s daily functioning. It is not a disease, rather a group of symptoms that are caused by several conditions. There may also be changes in personality, mood and behavior.
Depression refers to a very low mood which can be severe enough to interfere with daily life activities. Signs of depression can be remembered with the acronym C-A-P-S (Concentration impaired or decreased, Appetite changes, Psychomotor functions decreased and Suicidal ideations and sleep disturbances). Other symptoms include tiredness or fatigue, feelings of worthlessness, agitation, and slowing of movements.
An intrauterine device is a small device that fits inside a woman’s uterus, and works by preventing fertilization of the egg. It is one of the most effective contraceptive methods and contains no hormones, which means it can be used even while breastfeeding. However, complications may still arise when using an intrauterine device. These complications are best remembered using the acronym P-A-I-N-S (Period irregularities, abdominal pain and dyspareunia, infection, fever or chills and a missing string).
8. Intrauterine Device Complications — “PAINS.” 9. Inflammation Assessment — “HIPER.”
Inflammation is a localized reaction producing redness, warmth, swelling, and pain. It is a reaction produced when the white blood cells protect the body from foreign substances. You can assess inflammation using the acronym HIPER: Check for the site’s heat, its induration, pain, edema and redness.
11. Severe Pre-Eclampsia Signs — “HELLP.”
10. Sprains and Strains Nursing Care — “RICE.”
Pre-eclampsia is a pregnancy complication characterized by high blood pressure and signs of damage to organ systems. If left untreated, it may lead to even more serious complications for both the mother and the baby.
A sprain is an injury that usually involves small tears of the ligaments and joint capsule. A strain, however, is an injury that affects tendons or muscles. Symptoms include pain, swelling, stiffness and reduced functioning.
Pre-eclampsia usually starts after 20 weeks of pregnancy in a woman whose blood pressure had usually been normal. Even a slight rise in the blood pressure may indicate preeclampsia.
12. Hematology — 3 Rules.
These rules can be used to check if the Complete Blood Count on your patient’s results are valid. Though these rules may not be completely flawless, they can still be tools used to further investigate sample integrity and/or instrument operation. Some institutions require a review of the indicates using the Rules of Three. For instance, the Hct must match the Hb x 3 +/-3, or further investigation may be required.
An episiotomy is a minor surgery which is done to widen the opening of the vagina during childbirth. It is a cut to the skin and muscles between the vaginal opening and the anus. The cut is then repaired with stitches (sutures). Immediate care should be given when you see any redness, edema, ecchymosis, discharge, or approximation (R-E-E-D-A) on the episiotomy site.
14. Hematuria Causes — “HEMATURIAS.” 13. Episiotomy Healing Evaluation — “REEDA.”
118K+ 1. Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA) Treatment — “KING UFC.”
Hematuria is the presence of red blood cells in the urine. Sometimes, the urine can become pink, red, or cola-colored, but there are some cases when there is not enough blood in the urine to cause a color change. Possible causes of hematuria may be summarized using the acronym H-E-M-A-T-U-R-I-A-S: Hemorrhagic diseases, Endocarditis, Malignant Hypertension, Acute Glomerulonephritis, Renal Tuberculosis or Tumor in the bladder, Urinary Tract Infection, Renal Infarct, Idiopathic causes, Anti-coagulants and Stones in the Urinary Tract. NURSING MNEMONICS AND ACRONYMS (CHRONIC DISEASES)
Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA) is a life-threatening emergency condition that often occurs in patients with type I Diabetes. It may also occur in patients with type II Diabetes, particularly obese black patients.
Hypoglycemia is a common emergency condition, especially in people with diabetes mellitus. It occurs when the sugar (glucose) in your body is not enough to be used as fuel for cells.
Also Read: 5 Misconceptions About Diabetes 3. Hypoglycemia Signs and Symptoms — “TIRED.” 2. Hypoglycemia Causes and Characteristics — “REEXPLAIN.”
The signs and symptoms of hypoglycemia can be easily remembered using the acronym T-I-R-E-D (Tachycardia, Irritability, Restlessness, Excessive hunger, Depression and Diaphoresis).
4. Early Warning Signs of Cancer — “CAUTION UP.”
The early stages of cancer may be asymptomatic, but a malignant tumor will eventually grow–large enough to be detected. The more it grows, the more it presses on nerves, producing pain and interfering with bodily functions. The acronym “CAUTION-UP” will help you remember the early signs of cancer: Change in bowel or bladder habits; Unusual bleeding or discharge; Thickening or lump in the breasts, testicles or elsewhere; Indigestion or difficulty swallowing; Obvious change in the size, color, shape or thickness of a wart, mole or mouth sore; Nagging cough or hoarseness; Unexplained loss of weigh or loss of appetite, and; Pernicious anemia.
Also Read: 5 Cancer Symptoms You Should Never Ignore Other symptoms include persistent headaches, chronic pain in bones and various areas of the body, persistent fatigue, persistent low-grade fever and repeated infection.
Priorities of care include provision of information about the disease, prevention of complications, promotion of comfort and preservation of optimal physiological functioning. Interventions (CANCER) should be focused on patient’s comfort, altered body image, nutrition, chemotherapy, response to medications and respite for caretakers.
5. Cancer Interventions — “CANCER.”
NURSING MNEMONICS AND ACRONYMS (ACID-BASE, FLUIDS, AND ELECTROLYTES)
206258K+ 1. Acid-Base Balance — “ROME.”
Nurses are encouraged to provide as much care and comfort as possible to patients with cancer. Also Read: 10 Cancer-Causing Foods to Avoid
Let’s move on to the PCO2 and the HCO3-. If the PCO2 is higher than normal (>45), it is considered acidotic, but if it is below normal (<35), it is on the alkaline side. However, if the HCO3- is below normal (<22), it is acidotic, but if it is higher than normal (>26), it is on the alkaline side. Respiratory Alkalosis indicates that the pH level is higher than normal (>7.45) and that the PCO2 is lower than normal (<35mmHg). Respiratory Acidosis, on the other hand, indicates that the pH is lower than normal (<7.35) and the PCO2 is higher than normal (>45mmHg). The pH and PCO2 have an inverse relationship, which is why Respiratory is OPPOSITE. On the other hand, Metabolic Acidosis indicates that both the pH and HCO3 levels are below normal (<7.35 in pH and <22mEq/L in HCO3), while in Metabolic Alkalosis, both are higher than normal (>7.45 in pH and <35mEq/L in HCO3). When the pH and HCO3- are both increased or decreased, it is metabolic, which is why Metabolic is EQUAL.
2. Hypernatremia Signs and Symptoms — “FRIED SALT.”
The body will be able to maintain the right acid-base balance in the blood as long as the person maintains a healthy lifestyle. Disruption in the acid-base balance could lead to acidosis, wherein the blood pH level is more acidic (pH level less than 7.35), or alkalosis, which means the pH level of the blood has too little acid (pH level greater than 7.45). Either one of the two imbalances may result in serious disorders. Remember that the acronym ROME means Respiratory Opposite, Metabolic Equal. If the pH level falls within the normal range of 7.35 – 7.45, it is compensated. Otherwise, it is uncompensated.
Hypernatremia refers to a condition wherein the serum or plasma sodium is greater than 145 mEq/L. It is often due to water that is excessively lost through the gastrointestinal tract, skin or urine.
Hypocalcemia occurs when the level of calcium in the body becomes abnormally low. It may be the result of low calcium production or insufficient calcium circulation in the body.
4. Hyperkalemia Signs and Symptoms — “MURDER.” 3. Hypocalcemia Signs and Symptoms — “CATS.”
5. Hypokalemia Signs and Symptoms — “A SIC WALT.”
Hyperkalemia, or high potassium level in the blood, usually occurs when inefficient kidneys fail to remove potassium from the body or if the cells in the body release too much potassium. Excessive consumption of potassium may also lead to hyperkalemia, especially if the kidney function is compromised. Signs and symptoms of hyperkalemia include muscle cramps that progress to weakness; urine abnormalities like oliguria or anuria; respiratory distress; decreased cardiac contractility; EKG changes; and abnormalities in reflexes such as hyperflexia or areflexia. These can easily be remembered using the acronym MURDER.
Low potassium level or hypokalemia is usually caused by kidney disease, antibiotics, diarrhea or vomiting, eating disorders, or sweating, among others. Signs and symptoms of hypokalemia can be remembered using the acronyms A SIC WALT: Alkalosis, Shallow Respirations, Irritability, Confusion and drowsiness, Weakness and fatigue, Arrhythmias like tachycardia or bradycardia, Lethargy, and Thready pulse. There may also be decreased intestinal mobility, vomiting, and ileus. Try to picture your patient, Mr. Walt, saying “I am A SIC WALT.”
NURSING MNEMONICS AND ACRONYMS (NURSING PHARMACOLOGY)
205K+ 1. Medications for Advanced Life Support — “LEAN.” Advanced Life Support (ALS) refers to healthcare procedures that help sustain life, including advanced diagnosis and protocol-driven treatment for a patient in the field.
2. Drug Administration Responsibilities — “PDDRTD” — “DR. TIMED.” You can remember the six rights of drug administration using two mnemonics.
Patients Do Drugs Round The Day (PDDRTD) stands for Right Patient, Right Drug, Right Dose, Right Route, Right Time, and Right Documentation.
Alternatively, you can use the acronym DR. TIMED, which stands for Right Dose, Right Route, Right Time, Right Individual, Right Medication, Right Effect (or Expiration date) and Right Documentation.
3. Drug Interactions — “TDCI” — “These Drugs Can Interact.”
4. Tuberculosis Drugs — “RIPES.”
Also Read: A Nurse’s Ultimate Guide to Accurate Drug Dosage Calculations A drug interaction happens when the combination of two or more drugs produces a reaction, causing the person to experience an unexpected side effect. Drug interactions may also make your drug less effective, or increase the action of a particular drug, which may be harmful. They may fall into three categories, namely: Drug-drug, drug-food or drugcondition interactions.
Tuberculosis is a bacterial infection of the lungs, which is usually airborne. The most common signs of tuberculosis are fever, weight loss, fatigue, coughing, hemoptysis and night sweats. It is usually diagnosed through skin tests, chest xrays, sputum analysis and other procedures that detect the presence of bacteria. NURSING MNEMONICS AND ACRONYMS (RESPIRATORY, ENDOCRINE, AND NERVOUS SYSTEMS)
12423K+ 1. Asthma Management — “ASTHMA.”
Asthma is a long-term lung condition in which the airways swell, become narrow, and produce excessive mucus. It cannot be cured, but its symptoms can be controlled. Common signs and symptoms of asthma include shortness of breath, chest pain or tightness, coughing and wheezing.
2. Dyspnea Causes — 6 P’s.
Dyspnea is a subjective experience characterized by uncomfortable breathing, and is usually a sign of respiratory disorder. Typical causes of dyspnea can be remembered with the 6 P’s: Pump failure, Pulmonary embolus, Pulmonary bronchial constriction, Possible obstruction from a foreign body, Pneumonia, and Pneumothorax.
The adrenal glands are small glands located on top of each kidney. They produce hormones that you can’t live without, including sex hormones and cortisol. Cortisol, for instance, helps you respond to stress and has many other important functions.
4. Pulmonary Edema Management — “MAD DOG.” 3. Adrenal Gland Hormones — “SSS.”
Pulmonary edema is a condition characterized by excess fluid in the lungs. This fluid collects in the numerous air sacs in the lungs, making it difficult to breathe. Most cases are usually caused by heart conditions, pneumonia, exposure to certain toxins and medications, trauma to the chest wall, and living at high elevations. Management for pulmonary edema include Morphine, Aminophylline, Digitalis, Diuretics, Oxygen and monitoring of Blood Gases.
5. Cranial Nerves 1.0.
Cranial nerves are nerves that are directly connected to the brain and the brain stem. Information exchanged between the brain and other regions of the body pass through the cranial nerves. They can be remembered using the mnemonic “OLympic OPium OCcupies TROubled TRIathletes After Finishing VEgas Gambling VAcations Still High.”
6. Cranial Nerves 2.0.
If you want to know what the cranial nerves’ functions are– whether they are sensory, motor, or both–you can use the mnemonic “Some Say Marry Money But My Brother Says Bad Business Marry Money”.
A tracheoesophageal fistula is a congenital or acquired communication between the trachea and esophagus, which often leads to severe and fatal pulmonary complications. In most cases, the esophagus is discontinuous, causing feeding difficulties. The three major signs of tracheoesophageal fistula are choking, coughing and cyanosis.
7. Tracheal Esophageal Fistula Signs — 3 C’s. http://www.nursebuff.com/nursing-mnemonics-and-acronymsrespiratory-endocrine-and-nervous-systems/
