“Easy mnemonics for the 2024 NCLEX-RN exam: Simplified memory aids to quickly recall essential nursing concepts, medications, and priority actions for success.”
MNEMONIC FOR FETAL HEART RATE MONITORING PATTERNS
The mnemonic “VEAL CHOP MINE” is used to help remember fetal heart rate (FHR) monitoring patterns and their corresponding causes and nursing interventions.
- V (Variable decelerations) = C (Cord compression)
- E (Early decelerations) = H (Head compression)
- A (Accelerations) = O (Okay, possibly oxygenated)
- L (Late decelerations) = P (Placental insufficiency)
For nursing interventions (MINE):
- M (Move client): If there are variable decelerations, reposition the patient to alleviate cord compression.
- I (Identify labor progress): Early decelerations might indicate head compression, which can be normal during labor.
- N (No action needed): Accelerations usually indicate a well-oxygenated fetus.
- E (Execute actions immediately): Late decelerations indicate placental insufficiency and may require immediate interventions like oxygen administration, fluid bolus, or preparation for potential delivery.
| FETAL HEART RATE (VEAL) | CAUSES (CHOP) | MANAGEMEMT (MINE) |
| Variable decelerations | Cord compression | Maternal repositions |
| Early decelerations | Head compression | Identify labor progress |
| Accelerations | OKAY | No action needed |
| Late decelerations | Placental Insufficiency | Execute actions immediately |
POST PARTUM ASSESSMENT: BUBBLE HE
POST PARTUM ASSESSMENT: BUBBLE HE
BREAST (Assess for engorgement, nipple trauma, and adequacy of breastfeeding)
UTERUS
BOWEL
BLADDER
LOCHIA (Observe the amount, color, and odor of vaginal discharge to identify normal postpartum bleeding or signs of infect)
EPISIOTOMY (Inspect for healing, infection, and the comfort level of any episiotomy or tear.)
HOMAN'S SIGN
EMOTIONAL STATUS (looking for signs of postpartum depression or anxiety).
The BUBBLE-HE assessment is a systematic approach used in postpartum care to evaluate the well-being of the mother after childbirth.
Chorionic villus sampling and Alpha-fetoprotein
Chorionic” has 9 letters and Chorionic Villi Sampling is performed at 9 weeks gestation.
Alpha Fetoprotein” has 16 letters and is measured at 16 weeks' gestation.
Chorionic villus sampling (CVS) is a prenatal test that involves taking a small sample of tissue from the placenta to test for genetic disorders. Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) is a protein produced by the fetus, measured in maternal blood to screen for neural tube defects and other fetal abnormalities.
CLASSIS TRAID: PRE-ECPLAMPSIA
Preeclampsia: 3 Classic Triad (PRE):
Proteinuria
Rising Blood Pressure (Hypertension)
Edema
Preeclampsia is a pregnancy complication characterized by a classic triad of symptoms:
1. Hypertension: Elevated blood pressure, typically developing after 20 weeks of gestation.
2. Proteinuria: Presence of excess protein in the urine, indicating kidney involvement.
3. Edema: Swelling, particularly in the hands, feet, and face, due to fluid retention.
These symptoms signal potential organ damage and necessitate close monitoring and management to prevent complications such as eclampsia, which includes seizures, and to ensure the safety of both the mother and fetus.
The Heart Block Poem
The Heart Block "Poem"
If the R is far from P,
then you have a FIRST DEGREE
Longer, longer, longer, drop!
then you have a WENCKEBACH.
If some Ps don't get through.
then you have MOBITZ II.
If Ps and Qs don't agree,
then you have a THIRD DEGREE.
Heart Blocks are abnormal heart rhythm where the heart beats too slowly. Heart block is a condition where the electrical signals that control the heartbeat are partially or completely blocked, causing a slower or irregular heartbeat. It ranges from mild (first-degree) to severe (third-degree), potentially leading to symptoms like dizziness, fatigue, or syncope, depending on the block's severity.\
Symptoms of Right-Sided Heart Failure: AW-HEAD
A useful mnemonic for remembering the symptoms of right-sided heart failure is "AW HEAD"
-A (Anorexia & Nausea): Decreased appetite and gastrointestinal discomfort.
-W (Weight gain): Due to fluid retention.
-H (Hepatomegaly): Enlargement of the liver due to congestion.
-E (Edema): Swelling in the legs, ankles, and abdomen.
-A (Ascites): Accumulation of fluid in the abdomen.
-D (Distended neck veins): Jugular venous distention, indicating increased central venous pressure.
Symptoms of left-sided heart failure is “DO CHAP”
A helpful mnemonic for remembering the symptoms of left-sided heart failure is "DO CHAP"
- D (Dyspnea): Shortness of breath, especially during exertion or lying down (orthopnea).
- O (Orthopnea): Difficulty breathing while lying flat.
- C (Cough): Persistent cough, often worse at night, sometimes producing pink, frothy sputum.
- H (Hemoptysis): Coughing up blood or blood-stained mucus.
- A (Adventitious breath sounds): Crackles or wheezing heard on lung auscultation due to pulmonary congestion.
- P (Pulmonary congestion): Fluid buildup in the lungs, causing difficulty breathing and decreased oxygen exchange.
Mnemonic to remember the symptoms of heart failure, combining both left-sided and right-sided symptoms, is “FACES”
Mnemonic to remember the symptoms of heart failure, combining both left-sided and right-sided symptoms is "FACES"
F (Fatigue): General tiredness and decreased ability to exercise.
A (Activity limitation): Reduced capacity to perform physical activities.
C (Congestion): Pulmonary congestion in left-sided heart failure (shortness of breath, cough) and systemic congestion in right-sided heart failure (edema, ascites).
E (Edema): Swelling, especially in the legs, ankles, and abdomen, more typical of right-sided heart failure.
S (Shortness of breath): Difficulty breathing, particularly with exertion or while lying down.
Nursing Care for a Client in Traction: Remember “TRACTION“
Nursing Care for a Client in Traction: Remember "TRACTION"
T: Temperature
Monitor temperature of extremity
R: Ropes
Should be hanging freely
A: Alignment
Ensure proper alignment of the extremity
C: Circulation
Circulation checks on extremity
T: Tension
No tension on the Skin, Risk for Breakdown
I: Intake
Monitor intake and output
O: Overhead Trapeze
Bar overhead to help with range of motion
N: No weights on bed/floor
Do not release the traction!
NCLEX-PRIORITIZATION: ABC-FLASH
NCLEX-PRIORITIZATION
Acute issues will always take priority over chronic problems: "ABC-FLASH"
ABC: Acute Before Chronic
F: Fresh post-op (12hours)
L: Lab abnormalities: Low or high K+, Low Blood sugar level, Na+, Ca, Mg, etc.
A: Altered Mental Status: Lethargy, Drowsy
S: Sepsis/Infection
H: Hemorrhage
Droplet Precautions: “SPIDERMAN” (3S’s and 3P’s)
Droplet Precautions: "SPIDERMAN" (3S's and 3P's)
S: Streptococcal pharyngitis/ Sepsis/ Scarlet fever
P: Pertussis/ Pneumonia/ Parvovirus B19
I: Influenza
D: Diphtheria
E: Epiglottis
R: Rubella
M: Meningitis/ Mumps/ Meningeal Pneumonia
An: Adenovirus
Private room or Cohort clients
Wear surgical mask within 3 feet of a client
Place surgical mask on client when client needs to leave the room
Signs of Transfusion Reaction: REACTION
Signs of Transfusion Reaction:
REACTION
R: Rash
E: Elevated temperature
A: Anxiety, Apprehension
C: Chills
T: Tachypnea
I: Increased pulse
O: Oliguria and hemoglobinuria
N: Nausea
Immediate treatment of Myocardial infarction: “MONA TASS”
Immediate treatment of Myocardial infarction: "MONA TASS"
M: Morphine
O: Oxygen
N: Nitroglycerin
A: Aspirin
T: Thrombolytics
A: Anticoagulants
S: Stool Softeners
S: Sedatives
Myocardial infarction symptoms: “CRUSHING”
Myocardial infarction symptoms: "CRUSHING"
C: Chest Pain
R: Radiates (neck, jaw, back)
U: Unrelieved pain w/ nitro, rest
S: Sweating (cold sweat)
H: Hard to breathe
I: Increased heart rate
N: Nausea and vomiting
G: Gloom and Doom
Hypoglycemia Symptoms: “HE IS TIRED“
Hypoglycemia: HE IS TIRED
HE: Headache
IS: Irritable/ Sweating
T: Tachycardia
I: Irritability
R: Restlessness
E: Excessive Hunger
D: Dizziness
5 A’s of Alzheimer disease
5 A's of Alzheimer disease
A: Amnesia: loss of memories
A: Anomia: unable to recall names of everyday objects
A: Apraxia: unable to perform tasks of movement
A: Agnosia: inability to process sensory information
A: Aphasia: Disruption with ability to communicate
When treating a fracture, keep PRICE in mind
When treating a fracture, keep PRICE in mind.
Pressure
Rest
Ice
Compression
Elevation
Warning Signs of Cancer: CAUTION
Warning signs of cancer, you can use "CAUTION"
Change in bladder or bowels
A sore that just won’t heal
Unusual bleeding and/or discharge
Thickening or lump
Indigestion or trouble swallowing
Obvious change in the size of wart or mole
Nagging cough and/or hoarseness
HYPERTENSION NURSING CARE: “DIURETICS”
HYPERTENSION NURSING CARE: "DIURETICS"
D: Daily Weight
I: Intake and Output
U: Urine output
R: Response of BP
E: Electrolytes
T: Take Pulses
I: Ischemia episodes
C: Complications: 4C'
4'C Complications of Hypertension:
C: Coronary artery disease
C: Coronary Rheumatic fever
C: Congestive heart failure
C: Cardiovascular Accident
CAUSES OF HEART MURMUR: “SPAMS”
CAUSES OF HEART MURMUR: "SPAMS"
S: stenosis of a Valve
P: Partial obstruction
A: Aneurysms
M: Mitral regurgitation
S: Septal defect
5 P’s Compartment Syndrome sign and symptoms:
5 P's Compartment Syndrome sign and symptoms:
P: Pain
P: Pallor
P: Pulse declined or absent
P: Pressure increased
P: Paresthesia
Shock sign and symptoms: “CHORD ITEM”
Shock sign and symptoms: "CHORD ITEM"
C: Cold, Clammy skin
H: Hypotension
O: Oliguria
R: Rapid and shallow breathing
D: Drowsiness, confusion
I: Irritability
T: Tachycardia
E: Elevated or reduce CVP (central venous pressure)
M: Multiorgan damage
Diabetic Ketoacidosis Treatment: “KING UFC”
Diabetic Ketoacidosis Treatment: "KING UFC"
K: K+
I: Insulin
N: Nasogastric tube if comatose
G: Glucose: once serum level drops
U: Urea monitoring
F: Fluids: Crystalloids
C: Creatinine monitoring