Must Have Nursing Mnemonics Part 4

Hypocalcemia signs and symptoms – CATS Hypocalcemia is an electrolyte imbalance condition where the serum calcium level in the blood is low. This condition can be caused by hypothyroidism, chronic kidney disease and vitamin D deficiency. Signs and symptoms of this condition can be easily remembered with the mnemonic CATS – convulsions, arrhythmias, tetany, stridor and spasms. Signs and Symptoms of Hypokalemia – “A SIC WALT” Hypokalemia is a condition of abnormally low levels of potassium in the blood. The signs and symptoms of this condition is easy to remember with the mnemonic “ASICWALT” – alkalosis, shallow respirations, irritability, confusion and drowsiness, weakness and fatigue, arrhythmias, lethargy and thready pulse. This electrolyte imbalance is usually caused by inadequate potassium intake, diarrhea and diuresis. Level of Consciousness The AVPU scale is a quick assessment tool for determining levels of consciousness. There are four ways on how you can assess patient’s responsiveness during emergency situations: • Alert – the patient is fully awake and opens eyes spontaneously. • Verbal stimuli – the patient responds to verbal stimuli and open eyes when you start talking. • Painful stimuli – the patient only responds during the application of painful stimulus like sternal rub or squeezing of a finger. • Unresponsive – the patient doesn’t show any kind of response to both verbal and painful stimuli. Lung Sounds The three most common abnormal lung sounds are crackles, rhonchi and wheeze. Crackles are similar to crackling or rattling sound. It is best heard during inhalation. The presence of crackles is usually suggestive of pneumonia and congestive heart failure. Rhonchi resemble the sound of snoring. Its presence is suggestive of airway obstruction. Wheezes resemble high pitch whistling sound. Its presence is suggestive of airway narrowing especially during asthma attacks. Mixing Insulin In mixing insulin, remember to draw up the clear first before the cloudy one. Fastacting insulin is clear and should not be contaminated with long-acting insulin which is the cloudy one. Reminders in mixing insulin are detailed in this mnemonic. Myocardial Infraction “BOOMAR” Nursing Management The mnemonic “BOOMAR” is a great reminder in nursing management of myocardial infarction. Complete bed rest is advised so there will be no additional workload for the heart. Oxygen therapy is essential to support adequate oxygen circulation in the blood. Opioids like morphine and anticoagulants are important in relieving chest pain and preventing further formation of blood clots. Close monitoring is a must through vital signs and other blood works so impending cardiac arrest can be anticipated and managed beforehand. Neurovascular Assessment 5-Ps In doing neurovascular assessment, remember the 5Ps – pain, pulse, pallor, paresthesia and paralysis. This assessment technique is useful in determining the presence of compartment syndrome among patients with casts or restrictive bandages. Angina Precipitating Factors — 4 E’s Angina is a symptom of an underlying heart condition. Patients who suffer from angina usually complain of tightness or discomfort in the chest area. It is usually caused by unexpected or premature incidents you can recall as the 4E’s — sudden exertion, eating a huge meal, emotional distress, and extreme temperatures. Nitroglycerin Nitroglycerin is a potent vasodilator. It helps increase oxygen and blood flow to the heart by dilating the blood vessels. There are two types of nitroglycerin – quick-acting and slow-acting. Quick-acting nitroglycerines are supplied in the form of sublingual tabs and translingual spray. On the other hand, slow-acting nitroglycerines are supplied in the form of patches, ointments and sustained-release tablets. Phenylketonuria Phenylketonuria is an inherited disorder where the body is unable to metabolize the enzyme phenylalanine causing buildup in the bloodstream. If left undetected, the buildup of phenylalanine in the blood may cause serious health problems like mental retardation and convulsions. This condition can be easily detected at birth with routine newborn screening tests. Once confirmed, the child should have a diet free from meat, dairy products, eggs and other foods that contain protein.