Must Have Nursing Mnemonics Part 5

Posturing Posturing is the abnormal flexion or extension of the arms and legs due to brain injury. There are two types of abnormal posturing – decorticate and decerebrate. Decorticate posturing is characterized by flexed arms with inward bending in the chest area. The legs appear extended and both feet turn inward. Presence of decorticate posturing indicates damage to cervical spinal tract, thalamus and cerebral hemispheres. Decerebrate posturing is characterized by extension of upper extremities particularly elbows and arching of the head backward. The legs are also extended and rotated internally. Presence of decerebrate posturing indicates damage in midbrain, brain stem and cerebellum. Severe Pre-eclampsia Signs – H-E-L-L-P Pre-eclampsia is a pregnancy disorder characterized by high blood pressure, headache and proteinuria. If left untreated, severe signs and symptoms of pre-eclampsia are easy to remember with the acronym HELLP – hemolysis, elevated liver function tests and low platelet count. Pre-eclampsia requires prompt medical attention as presence of HELLP symptoms indicate organ damage. Prothrombin Time (PT) and INR Prothrombin time (PT) assesses the extrinsic pathway of clotting. The measurement is expressed in seconds. Normal PT range is 10-13 seconds. International Normalized Ration (INR) is calculated by dividing the patient’s PT values by a control. Normal INR range is 2.0 – 3.0. The Language of Eyes This chart is useful in Emergency Nursing as different presentations of the eyes during substance abuse are specified. There are 6 addictive drugs in this chart – coke, codeine, booze, weed, speed, crack, heroin and acid. Types of Antidepressants and Common Side Effects There are four types of anti-depressants – tricyclics, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) and monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs). There are also new preparations being used as drug combinations like Wellbutrin and Norpramin. Tricyclics block the reabsorption of serotonin and epinephrine in the nerve cells. Because of tricyclics’ effect in heart rate, patients with cardiac rhythm problems should not be given with these drugs. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) work by limiting the reabsorption of serotonin in the presynaptic cell thus increasing extracellular level of serotonin. SSRIs are mainly used to relieve major depression. Serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) work by blocking the reuptake of both serotonin and norepinephrine. They also change the balance of other neurotransmitters in the brain. Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) inhibit monoamine oxidase, the enzyme that breaks down serotonin, dopamine and epinephrine. As a result, the levels of these neurotransmitters increase. However, when MAOIs are taken with other drugs, blood pressure levels may be adversely affected so it should be closely monitored. Congestive Heart Failure Congestive Heart Failure occurs when the heart cannot handle a high output of blood volume in the circulatory system. It is life-threatening so immediate treatment needs to applied. Remember the keys to initial management with the acronym UNLOAD FAST. Calcium – Phosphorus Relationship Calcium and phosphate in the body are like a seesaw. They react in opposite ways. When blood calcium levels rise, phosphate levels fall. This relationship may be disrupted by an infection or a disease so it is important to measure calcium and phosphorus at the same time. With these medical mnemonics for NCLEX and other nursing examinations, you can now prepare for your test or your nursing classes. There are lots of mnemonics available online that can be helpful in remembering difficult nursing concepts. Whenever you are tired of reading your textbooks and notes, take a break and have fun learning with medical mnemonics.