Nursing Mnemonics Podcast by NURSING.com (Nursing Podcast, NCLEX® Prep for nursing students)

Download for FREE today -  special Mnemonics Cheatsheet - so you can be SURE that you have that Must Know information down:  bit.ly/nursing-memory   Outline The 3 C’s C-Choking C-Coughing C-Cyanosis Description A tracheal esophageal fistula (TEF) is a congenital abnormality in which there is an opening between the trachea and the esophagus. Surgery is required to repair the opening before a baby can receive oral nutrition. Signs and symptoms to identify TEF are choking, coughing, and cyanosis.

Download for FREE today -  special Mnemonics Cheatsheet - so you can be SURE that you have that Must Know information down:  bit.ly/nursing-memory   Outline FINES F-Feeding difficulty I-Inspiratory Stridor N-Nares Flares E-Expiratory Grunting S-Sternal Retractions Description The above signs are indications that the patient is attempting to draw in more oxygen. The patient will begin to compensate for the decreased tissue oxygenation by exhibiting the following signs and symptoms.

Download for FREE today -  special Mnemonics Cheatsheet - so you can be SURE that you have that Must Know information down:  bit.ly/nursing-memory   Outline CLEFT LIP C-Choking L-Lie on back E-Evaluate Airway F-Feed Slowly T-Teaching L-Larger nipple opening I-Increased incidence in males P-Prevent crust formation and aspiration Description Cleft lip is a congenital slit in the skin above the lip, typically also associated with a cleft palate. The typical treatment is reconstructive surgery. Post op care includes monitoring for choking. Baby should lie on their back during sleep to prevent trauma to sutures. Make sure to evaluate the airway and ensure it is open and monitor for aspiration. Feed the baby slowly in an upright position with a larger nipple opening. Prevent crust formation. Lastly, provide teaching to parents regarding feeding and common care.

Download for FREE today -  special Mnemonics Cheatsheet - so you can be SURE that you have that Must Know information down:  bit.ly/nursing-memory   Outline CHILD ABUSE C-Child’s excessive knowledge of sex and abusive words H-Hair growth in various lengths I-Inconsistent stories from the child and parent/s L-Low self-esteem D-Depression A-Apathy, no emotion B-Bruised U-Unusual injuries S-Serious injuries E-Evidence of old injuries Description Child abuse can be in many forms; physical, sexual, emotional, or neglect. Any act of commission or omission by a caregiver that harms or may cause harm to a child is child abuse. As a healthcare professional it is important to be in-tune with the preceding warning signs or indicators of child abuse.

Download for FREE today -  special Mnemonics Cheatsheet - so you can be SURE that you have that Must Know information down:  bit.ly/nursing-memory   Outline 2A 1V 2A-Two Areolas, Two Arteries 1V-One Vagina, One Vein Description To remember the vasculature in the umbilical cord, remember that the mom has: Two areolas; One Vagina. So, there are Two umbilical arteries, one umbilical vein.

Download for FREE today -  special Mnemonics Cheatsheet - so you can be SURE that you have that Must Know information down:  bit.ly/nursing-memory   Outline ACHES A-Abdominal Pain C-Chest Pain H-Headache E-Eye Problems S-Severe Leg Pain Description Because oral contraceptives can cause clots, we should monitor for the following serious complications in patients taking oral contraceptives: abdominal pain, chest pain, headache, eye problems, swelling or aching in the legs or thighs.

Download for FREE today -  special Mnemonics Cheatsheet - so you can be SURE that you have that Must Know information down:  bit.ly/nursing-memory   Outline NNN N-Non-reactive N-Non-Stress test is N-Not good Description A non-reactive result in a non-stress test is not good. During a non-stress test the fetal heart rate is monitored during movement. A reactive result is a good sign indicating intact central and autonomic nervous system. A reactive non-stress test result would be 2 accelerations to a certain level for greater than 15 seconds within a 20 minute period. If this does not occur the test is non-reactive.

Download for FREE today -  special Mnemonics Cheatsheet - so you can be SURE that you have that Must Know information down:  bit.ly/nursing-memory   Outline PAINS P-Period (menstrual: late, spotting, bleeding) A-Abdominal pain, dyspareunia (painful intercourse) I-Infection (abnormal vaginal discharge) N-Not feeling well, fever or chills S-String missing Description An intrauterine device is inserted into the uterus and is used to prevent pregnancy. There are two different types: hormonal and copper IUD.

Download for FREE today -  special Mnemonics Cheatsheet - so you can be SURE that you have that Must Know information down:  bit.ly/nursing-memory   Outline HELLP H-Hemolysis E-Elevated L-Liver function tests L-Low P-Platelet count Description HELLP syndrome is a severe and life-threatening complication, typically related to preeclampsia. It typically occurs in the third trimester.The defining characteristics are hemolysis (breakdown of red blood cells), elevated liver enzymes, and low platelet count.

Download for FREE today -  special Mnemonics Cheatsheet - so you can be SURE that you have that Must Know information down:  bit.ly/nursing-memory   Outline ALONE A-Amniocentesis L-L/S Ratio O-Oxytocin Test N-Non-Stress Test E-Estriol Level Description An amniocentesis is performed during the prenatal period. A needle is inserted to obtain a sample of amniotic fluid, which can be used to identify chromosomal abnormalities. L/S ratio compares lecithin– phosphatidyl choline to sphingomyelin to identify infant lung maturity. The oxytocin test measures fetal heart rate during contractions induced by oxytocin. A non-stress test measures fetal heart rate while baby is at rest and while baby is moving. Estriol levels in mother’s blood can be a marker for fetal well-being.

Download for FREE today -  special Mnemonics Cheatsheet - so you can be SURE that you have that Must Know information down:  bit.ly/nursing-memory   Outline VEAL CHOP V-Variable E-Early A-Accelerations L-Late C-Cord Compression H-Head Compression O-Okay P-Placental Insufficiency A fetal acceleration is an abrupt increase in fetal heart rate above the established baseline. A fetal deceleration is a decrease in fetal heart rate below the established fetal heart rate. The VEAL CHOP nursing mnemonic can be used to help remember how to interpret fetal heart rate during labor. For example, early decelerations in FHR (fetal heart rate) indicate head compression. It is typical for decels in FHR during a contraction because of head compression, but FHR should return to normal when contraction ends.

Download for FREE today -  special Mnemonics Cheatsheet - so you can be SURE that you have that Must Know information down:  bit.ly/nursing-memory   Outline REEDA R-Redness E-Edema E-Ecchymosis D-Discharge, Drainage A-Approximation Description Redness with pain, excess edema, ecchymosis (bruising), or discharge/drainage from the wound can all be signs of problems with healing after an episiotomy. Wound edges should be well approximated. Topical ointments and ice packs may be indicated if there is pain or excess swelling, or other signs of infection.

Download for FREE today -  special Mnemonics Cheatsheet - so you can be SURE that you have that Must Know information down:  bit.ly/nursing-memory   Outline The 4 T’s T-Tetralogy of Fallot T-Truncus Arteriosus T-Transposition of the Great Vessels T-Tricuspid Atresia Description Cyanotic heart defects are a group of congenital heart defects that result from deoxygenated blood by-passing the lungs and going into systemic circulation. Tetralogy of Fallot includes 4 anatomical abnormalities that are pictured below. Truncus Arteriosus is a condition where the pulmonary trunk and aorta don’t properly divide in development. This results in one large vessel carrying mixed blood to the heart, lungs, and systemic circulation. Transportation of the Great Vessels is a condition where vessels are swapped or may be in abnormal positions. Tricuspid Atresia is a condition where there is no tricuspid valve, which leads to an undersized or absent right ventricle.

Download for FREE today -  special Mnemonics Cheatsheet - so you can be SURE that you have that Must Know information down:  bit.ly/nursing-memory   Outline DIG FAST D-Distractibility I-Indiscretion G-Grandiosity   F-Flight of Ideas A-Activity Increase S-Sleep Deficit T-Talkative Manic attack signs and symptoms nursing mnemonic description The above signs would be indicative of a patient experiencing a manic episode. A manic episode is a state in which the patient experiences abnormally elevated mood, typically lasting at least one week. Think of a dog ‘manically’ digging for a bone.

Download for FREE today -  special Mnemonics Cheatsheet - so you can be SURE that you have that Must Know information down:  bit.ly/nursing-memory   Outline SIGNS S-Sleep Disturbances I-Interest Decreased G-Guilty Feelings N-No Energy S-Sadness (Crying spells) Description Monitor for these SIGNS in patients that may be at risk for depression.

Download for FREE today -  special Mnemonics Cheatsheet - so you can be SURE that you have that Must Know information down:  bit.ly/nursing-memory   Outline DEMENTIA DEMENTIA Make certain they don’t have problems with: D-Drugs and alcohol E-Eyes and ears M-Metabolic and endocrine disorders E-Emotional disorders N-Neurologic disorders T-Tumors and trauma I-Infection A-Arteriovascular disease Description When assessing a patient for dementia it is important to ensure that one of the following listed conditions isn’t an underlying cause for the dementia symptoms.

Download for FREE today -  special Mnemonics Cheatsheet - so you can be SURE that you have that Must Know information down:  bit.ly/nursing-memory   Outline ANOREXIA A-Amenorrhea N-No organic factors accounts for weight loss O-Obviously thin but feels FAT R-Refusal to maintain normal body weight E-Epigastric discomfort is common X-X-symptoms (peculiar symptoms) I-Intense fears of gaining weight A-Always thinking of food Description Anorexia nervosa is an eating disorder characterized by low body weight and periods of starvation or binging and purging. The lack of adequate nutrition and fat stores can lead to amenorrhea. Patients with anorexia will feel fat even if underweight, as anorexia is an unhealthy way to cope with emotional problems. Binging and purging can lead to damage of the GI tract and epigastric discomfort. Some peculiar symptoms may also be seen: abnormal blood counts, bluish discoloration of the fingers, hair that thins, breaks or falls out, or soft downy hair covering the body.   BULIMIA B-Binge eating U-Under strict dieting L-Lacks control/over-eating Induced vomiting M-Minimum of two binge eating episodes I-Increase/Persistent concern of body size/shape A-Abuse of diuretics and laxatives Description Bulimia is an eating disorder characterized by binging and purging. Patients may go through periods of excessive eating and then try to purge be inducing vomiting, taking laxatives or diuretics, or going through periods of fasting.

Download for FREE today -  special Mnemonics Cheatsheet - so you can be SURE that you have that Must Know information down:  bit.ly/nursing-memory   Outline BAD B-Brain Damage A-Alcoholic Hallucinations D-Death Description Abuse of alcohol can lead to very BAD outcomes. Emergent treatment should be provided for patients who have overdosed.

Download for FREE today -  special Mnemonics Cheatsheet - so you can be SURE that you have that Must Know information down:  bit.ly/nursing-memory   Outline AEIOU A-Acid-Base Problems E-Electrolyte Problems I-Intoxications O-Overload of fluids U-Uremic Symptoms Description As a patient progresses from chronic kidney disease to end stage renal disease the need for dialysis becomes more imminent. When the kidneys are no longer able to filter the blood alone you will see problematic metabolic acidosis since they kidneys can’t excrete excess acids that are in the blood. During kidney failure, excess potassium isn’t excreted and levels will start to rise. The kidneys help remove certain medications from the body, and when they aren’t working, toxicity can occur even with normal doses. Patients with ESRD become fluid overloaded due to inadequate urine production. Uremia will occur as the body can’t excrete enough urea.

Download for FREE today -  special Mnemonics Cheatsheet - so you can be SURE that you have that Must Know information down:  bit.ly/nursing-memory   Outline TRAUMATIC T-Tissue Perfusion Problems R-Respiratory Problems A-Anxiety U-Unstable Clotting Factors M-Malnutrition A-Altered Body Image T-Thromboembolism / fat embolism I-Infection C-Coping Problems Description In trauma the patient needs to be quickly assessed for adequate perfusion as part of the trauma survey. Trauma can lead to overt or covert blood loss resulting in shock. If there is significant blood loss, the patient may develop disseminated intravascular coagulation as they begin to deplete their available clotting factors.