NCLEX RN Mnemonics - ABC

ABDOMINAL AORTIC ANEURISM “4-A’s” Asymptomatic Abdominal mass Abdominal pulse Aches low back ABDOMINAL DISTENSTION "5-F's" Fat Fluid Feces Flatus Fetus ACE INHIBITOR SIDE EFFECTS "CAPTOPRIL" Cough Anaphylaxis Palpitations Taste Orthostatic -↓BP Potassium - ↑K+ Renal impairment Impotence Leukocytosis ACID-BASE "ROME" – Respiratory Opposite, Metabolic Equal ACIDOSIS » Respiratory (opposite): pH Pco2 » Metabolic (equal): pH HCO3 ALKALOSIS » Respiratory (opposite): pH Pco2 » Metabolic (equal): pH HCO3 ACIDOSIS/ALKALOSIS “ROME” Respiratory Opposite: pH↑ PCO2↓ = alkalosis pH↓ PCO2↑ = acidosis Metabolic Equal: pH↑ HCO3↑ = Alkalosis pH↓ HCO3↓ = Acidosis ACIDOSIS/ALKALOSIS – COMPENSTATION “RUB MUB” Respiratory Uses Bicarb Metabolic Uses Breathing ALKALOSIS AND ACIDOSIS AlKalosis has “K” – it’s “K”icking pH up = PH↑ AciDosis has “D” – it’s “D”ropping pH Down = PH↓ ACUTE INFLAMMATION FEATURES Think: "what a cute pair of SLIPpeRs" to tie acute inflammation to “SLIPR”mnemonic). “SLIPR” Swelling Loss of function Increased heat Pain Redness ADRENAL GLAND HORMONES “SSS” S-sugar (Glucocorticoids) S-salt (Mineralocorticoids) S-sex (Androgens) AIMS for improvement “PETEES” AIMS P - Patient centered care E - Efficient T - Timely E - Effective E - Equitable S - Safety ALCOHOL WITHDRAWAL – CLINICAL FEATURES "HITS" Hallucinations (visual, tactile) Increased vital signs & insomnia Tremens delirium tremens (potentially lethal) Shakes/Sweat/Seizures/Stomach pain (N/V) ALCOHOLISM – BEHAVIORAL PROBLEMS “5-D's” D- Denial D- Dependency D- Demanding D- Destructive D- Domineering ALCOHOLISM OUTCOME “BAD” B- Brain Damage A- Alcoholic Hallucinosis D- Death ALDOSTERONE IS REGULATED BY: "RNA’S" Renin-angiotensin mechanism Na concentration in blood Anp (ANP – atrial natriuretic peptide) Stress ALZHEIMER – “5 A’s” to DIAGNOSIS “5-A's” Amnesia – loss of memories Anomia – unable to recall names of everyday objects Apraxia – unable to perform tasks of movement Agnosia – inability to process sensory information Aphasia – disruption with ability to communicate ANGINA – PRECIPITATING FACTORS "4-E's" Eating Emotion Exertion (Exercise) Extreme Temperatures (Hot/Cold weather) “ANOREXIA” – EATING DISORDER A-menorrhea delayed N-o 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-symptoms (peculiar symptoms) I-intense fears of gaining weight A-always thinking of foods ANOREXIA NERVOSA – CLINICAL FEATURES "ANOREXIC" A-adolescent women/Amenorrhea N-GT alimentation (most severe cases) O-obsession w/ wt. loss/becoming fat though underweight R-refusal to eat (5% die) E-electrolyte abnormalities (e.g., K+, cardiac arrhythmia) X-exercise I-intelligence often above average/Induced vomiting C-cathartic use (and diuretic abuse) ANTICHOLINERGIC CRISIS Can't see (blurred vision) Can't spit (dry mouth) Can't pee (urinary retention) Can't shit (constipation) ANTICHOLINERGIC CRISIS – SIGNS "SLUD" Salivation Lacrimation Urination Defecation ANTI-TB DRUGS & SIDE EFFECTS “RIPES” Rifampicin – red-orange urine Isoniazid – peripheral neuritis Pyrazinamide – increase uric acid Ethambutol – eye problems Streptomycin – ototoxic