NCLEX MNEMONIC

Client In Traction Nursing Care

"TRACTION"
Temperature (Extremity, Infection)
Ropes hang freely
Alignment
Circulation Check (5 P's)
Type & Location of fracture
Increase fluid intake
Overhead trapeze
No weights on bed or floor
NCLEX MNEMONIC
Canes and walkers
"COAL" and "WWAL"
Cane Walker
Opposite With
Affected Affected
Leg Leg
NCLEX MNEMONIC
Osteoporosis Risk Factors
"ACCESS"
Alcohol Use
Corticosteroid Use
Calcium low
E-trogen low
Smoking
Sedentary lifestyle/s
NCLEX MNEMONIC
DUMPING SYNDROME
D - izziness
A - Abdominal cramping
T - achycardia
NCLEX MNEMONIC
Hepatitis Transmission Routes

Hepatitis A and E transmitted

by fecal-oral route
NCLEX MNEMONIC
PORTAL HYPERTENSION
A - scites
B - leeding
C - aput medusa
D - ecreased albumin
E - nlarged spleen
NCLEX MNEMONIC
Anti-TB drugs
“STRIPE”
S - treptomycin
R - ifampicin
I - soniazid
P - yrazinamide
E - thambutol
 NCLEX MNEMONIC
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
"blue bloater vs. pink puffer"
Emphysema has letter P (and not B) so Pink Puffer.
Chronic Bronchitis has letter B (and not P) so Blue
Bloater.
NCLEX MNEMONIC
Ventilator Alarms
“HOLD”
HIGH ALARM
O - bstruction due to increased secretions, kink, coughing
or gagging
LOW PRESSURE ALARM
D - isconnection or leak in ventilator or in airway cuff or
patient stops spontaneous breathing
NCLEX MNEMONIC
BETA 1 VERSUS BETA 2 EFFECTS

Beta 1 = one heart

Beta 2 = two lungs
NCLEX MNEMONIC
HEPARIN AND WARFARIN ANTIDOTES

In Heaven (heparin),
there is peace (protamine Sulfate).
In war (warfarin),
there are killings (Vitamin K).
 NCLEX MNEMONIC
Deep Vein Thrombosis Diagnosis
“DVT”
D - ilated veins/ discoloration
V - enography is gold standard
T - enderness of thigh and calf
NCLEX MNEMONIC
Bradycardia and Hypotension Drugs
"IDEA"
Isoproterenol
Dopamine
Epinephrine
Atropine Sulfate
NCLEX MNEMONIC
Warfarin interactions
"ACADEMIC QACS"
Amiodarone Clofibrates
Cimetidine Quinidine
Aspirin Azapropazone
Dapsone Ciprofloxacin
Erythromycin Statins
Metronidazole
Indomethacin
NCLEX MNEMONIC
Treatment for MI
M - orphine
O - xygen
N - itroglycerin
A - spirin
 NCLEX MNEMONIC
Virchow’s Triad in Clot Formation
3 V’s
V - enostasis
V - essel trauma
V - iscosity of blood
NCLEX MNEMONIC
Beta blocker contraindications
A - sthma
B - lock (heart block)
C - OPD
D - iabetes mellitus
E - lectrolyte (hyperkalemia)
NCLEX MNEMONIC
Heart Auscultation Order
"APETM"
Atrial
Pulmonic
Erb's point
Tricuspid
Mitral
NCLEX MNEMONIC
Thrombolytic agents
“USA”
U - rokinase
S - treptokinase
A - lteplase (t-PA)
NCLEX MNEMONIC
CHF TREATMENT
"Unload Fast"
Upright Position Fluids (decrease)
Nitrates (in low dose) Afterload (decrease)
Lasix Sodium restriction
Oxygen Test (Dig level, ABGs, K level)
Aminophylline
Digoxin
NCLEX MNEMONIC
Leukemia symptoms
"ANT"
Anemia
Neutropenia
Thrombocytopenia
NCLEX MNEMONIC
ACE Inhibitor Side Effects
"CAPTOPRIL"
Cough
Anaphylaxis
Palpitations
Taste
Orthostatic↓BP
Potassium (↑K+)
Renal impairment
Impotence
Leucocytosis
NCLEX MNEMONIC
Treatment For Hypertension
“ABCD”
A - ce inihibitors/ARBs
B - eta blockers
C - alcium blockers
D - iuretics
 NCLEX MNEMONIC
PULMONARY EDEMA MANAGEMENT
M - orphine
A - minophylline
D - igitalis
D - iuretics
O - xygen
G - ases (ABG)
NCLEX MNEMONIC
EARLY SIGNS OF DIGOXIN TOXICITY
B - radycardia/Tachycardia
A - norexia
D - iarrhea

V - isual disturbances
A - bdominal Cramps
N - ausea and vomiting
NCLEX MNEMONIC
Prevention of Thrombophlebitis - 6 E’s
Early ambulation
Exercise
Elastic stockings
Elevate legs
Encourage fluids
Extend knees
NCLEX MNEMONIC
Adrenal Gland Hormones
“3 S’s or GMA”
Sugar (Glucocorticoids)
Salt (Mineralcorticoids)
Sex (Androgens)
NCLEX MNEMONIC
Addison’s Disease
Add Sone (steroid)
NCLEX MNEMONIC
Mixing insulins
“R.N.”

Draw up regular then NPH

NCLEX MNEMONIC
Corticosteroid Side Effects
"Five S's"
Sick - easier to get sick
Sad -causes depression
Sex - increases libido
Salt - retains more and causes weight gain
Sugar - raises blood sugar
NCLEX MNEMONIC
Hypoglycemia vs Hyperglycemia
"Hot and Dry"
"Cold and Clammy"

Hot and dry = sugar high

Cold and clammy = need some candy
NCLEX MNEMONIC
Causes of Diabetic Ketoacidosis
"SAD"
Starvation
Alcohol
DM
NCLEX MNEMONIC
Pituitary hormones
"FLAGTOP"
Follicle stimulating hormone
Luteinizing hormone
Adrenocorticotropic hormone
Growth hormone
Thyroid stimulating hormone
Oxytocin
Prolactin
NCLEX MNEMONIC
SIDE EFFECTS OF STEROIDS
“Cushings Bad MD “
Cataracts Necrosis (avascular)
Up all night Gain weight
Suppression of adrenal Striae
Hypertension Bone loss
Hump buffalo Acne
Infections DM
Moon face
Depression
NCLEX MNEMONIC
Creatinine lab values
Same as lithium 0.6 - 1.2
NCLEX MNEMONIC
Sulfonamide side effects
3 S’s
S - teven Johnson syndrome
S - kin rash
S - hiny crystals in urine
NCLEX MNEMONIC
PROSTATE SYMPTOMS
"no FUN"
Frequency
Urgency
Nocturia
 NCLEX MNEMONIC
DRUGS CAUSING AGRANULOCYTOSIS
3 C’s
Clozapine
Colchicine
Carbamazepine
NCLEX MNEMONIC
Myasthenia drugs
edrophonium is for diagnosis,
pyridostigmine is to get rid of weakness
NCLEX MNEMONIC
Antiparkinsoninan drugs
“SALA”
S - eligiline (Eldepryl)
A - nticholinergics (Cogentin, Artane)
L - dopa (Sinemet)
A - mantadine (Symmetryl)
NCLEX MNEMONIC
CHOLINERGIC (Parasympathetic) EFFECTS
“sludge”
S - alivation
L - acrimation
U - rination
D - iarrhea
G - astric distress
E - mesis
NCLEX MNEMONIC
Drugs for all seizures
“CPP”
C - arbamazepine
P - henytoin
P - henobarbital
NCLEX MNEMONIC
Cholinergic Adverse Effects
“DUMBELLS”
Diarrhea Emesis
Urination Lacrimation
Miosis Lethargy
Bradycardia Salivation
NCLEX MNEMONIC
DRUGS CAUSING CATARACT
A - miodarone
B - usulfan
C - hlorpromazine
D - examethasone
NCLEX MNEMONIC
Osmotic diuretics
"GUM"
Glycerol
Urea
Mannitol
 NCLEX MNEMONIC
Level of Consciousness Assessment
A - Alert
V - Response to Verbal Stimuli
P - Response to Pain
U - Unresponsive
NCLEX MNEMONIC
Charcoat’s Triad in Multiple Sclerosis

S - canning speech
I - ntention tremors
N - ystagmus
 NCLEX MNEMONIC
ICP VERSUS SHOCK
“have opposite V/S!”
Increased BP Decreased BP
Decreased heart rate Increased HR
Decreased respiratory rate Increased respiratory rate
Widened pulse pressure Narrowed pulse pressure
NCLEX MNEMONIC
Drugs for petit mal seizures
“VALET”
Valproic acid
Ethosuximide
 NCLEX MNEMONIC
Antibiotics C/I During Pregnancy
M - etronidazole
C - hloramphenicol
A - minoglycoside
T - etracycline
NCLEX MNEMONIC
CAPUT SUCCEDANEUM
“CS”
crosses suture lines
NCLEX MNEMONIC
Cord prolapse

Push then position

 NCLEX MNEMONIC
Interventions for complications of L&D
“LIONPit”
L - eft side
I - ncrease IV
O - xygenate
N - otify physician
P - itocin
NCLEX MNEMONIC
APGAR SCORING
A - ppearance
P - ulse rate (apical)
G - rimace
A - ctivity
R - espiratory rate
NCLEX MNEMONIC
Severe pre-eclampsia complication
"HELLP"
Hemolysis
Elevated
Liver function tests
Low
Platelet count
NCLEX MNEMONIC
Postpartum assessment
"BUBBLE HER"
Breasts
Uterus
Bladder
Bowel function
Lochia
Episiotomy
Homan's sign
Emotional Status
Respiratory System
NCLEX MNEMONIC
ASSESSMENT TESTS
FOR FETAL WELL-BEING
A - Amniocentesis
L - L/S Ratio (2:1)
O - Oxytocin Test
N - Non-Stress Test
E - Estriol Level
NCLEX MNEMONIC
VEAL CHOP
Variable decelerations – Cord compression
Early decelerations – Head compression
Accelerations – Okay
Late decelerations – Placental Insufficiency
NCLEX MNEMONIC
Drugs That Cause Hyperkalemia
“K BANK”
K-sparing diuretics
Beta blockers
ACE inhibitors
NSAIDs
K supplements
NCLEX MNEMONIC
Hyperkalemia Treatment
"KIND"
Kayexalate (orally/ enema)
Insulin
Na HCO3
Diuretics (Furosemide & Thiazides)
 NCLEX MNEMONIC
SIGNS/SYMPTOMS OF HYPERKALEMIA
M - uscle weakness
U - rinary changes (oliguria)
R - espiratory distress
D - ecreased cardiac motility
E - KG changes
R - eflexes
NCLEX MNEMONIC
CAUSES OF HYPERKALEMIA
M – medication (ACE, NSAIDS)
A - acidosis
C- cellular destruction (burns)
H – hypoaldosteronism
I – intake of supplements
N - nephron failure
E – excretion impaired
 NCLEX MNEMONIC
SIGNS/SYMPTOMS OF HYPERNATREMIA
F - ever (low grade), flushed skin
R - estless (irritable)
I - ncreased fluid retention and increased BP
E - dema (peripheral and pitting)
D - ecreased urinary output, dry mouth
NCLEX MNEMONIC
SIGNS/SYMPTOMS OF HYPONATREMIA
S- tupor/coma
A - norexia, N&V
L - ethargy
T - endon reflexes decreased

L - imp muscles (weakness)

O - rthostatic hypotension
S - eizures/headache
S - tomach cramping
NCLEX MNEMONIC
SIGNS/SYMPTOMS OF HYPERCALCEMIA

“Bones, Stones and Moans”

bone demineralization, nephrolithiasis, pain
 NCLEX MNEMONIC
SIGNS/SYMPTOMS OF HYPOCALCEMIA

C - onvulsions or Chvostek’s sign

A - rrhythmias
T - etany or Trosseau’s sign
S - pasms and stridor
 NCLEX MNEMONIC
SIGN/SYMPTOMS OF HYPERNATREMIA
S - Skin flushed
A - Agitation
L - Low-grade fever
T - Thirst
 NCLEX MNEMONIC
DRUGS CAUSING SLE SYMPTOMS
S - ulfonamide
H - ydralazine
I - soniazid
P - henytoin
P - rocainamide
NCLEX MNEMONIC
Drugs causing QT prolongation
“APACHE”
A - miodarone
P - rocainamide
A - rsenium
C - isapride
H - aloperidol
E - rythromycin
NCLEX MNEMONIC
Drugs causing gynecomastia
“DISCOS”
D - igoxin
I - soniazid
S - pironolocatone
C - imetidine
O - estrogens
S - tillbestrol
 NCLEX MNEMONIC
Therapeutic Drug Levels - Magic 2’s

Digitalis - .5-2.5 = 2
Lithium - .6-1.2 = 2
Theophylline - 10-20 = 20
Dilantin - 10-20 = 20
 NCLEX MNEMONIC
Benzodiazepine antidote - Romazicon (Flumanezil)

“Ben is off with flu”

 NCLEX MNEMONIC
5 INTERVENTIONS FOR PSYCHIATRIC PATIENTS

Safety
Setting limits
Establish trusting relationship
Medications
Leas restrictive methods/environment
NCLEX MNEMONIC
Serotonin syndrome
“HARM”
H - yperthermia
A - utonomic instability (delirium)
R - igidity
M - yoclonus
 NCLEX MNEMONIC
ALCOHOL ADDICTION SCREENING
C - ut down
A - nnoyed
G - uilty
E - ye opener
 NCLEX MNEMONIC

EFFECTS OF “CO”- CAINE

(co = constrict blood vessels = increased BP)
 NCLEX MNEMONIC
REPORTING CRITICAL CONDITIONS
U - nrelieved by interventions
S - udden
A - marked change
NCLEX MNEMONIC
RN SCOPE OF PRACTICE
T - eaching
I - V medications
A - ssesment
NCLEX MNEMONIC
BEFORE CALLING PHYSICIAN
5 R’s
R - eview patient assessment
R - eview vital signs
R - eview records: MAR, Labs, Recent Orders, Progress Notes
R - eview care pathway, policies and procedures
R - eady relevant Information (e.g. chart, medication sheet,
vital signs, code status, POLST, allergies)
NCLEX MNEMONIC
AIRBORNE INFECTIONS
M - Measles
T - TB
C - Chickenpox
 NCLEX MNEMONIC
Donning: Gown, Mask, Google, and Gloves

First you put on your dress (Gown), then you put on your
lipstick (mask), then your Shades (googles) and lastly your drive
(gloves) to wherever you're going.
 NCLEX MNEMONIC
Removing: Gloves, Googles, Gown, and Mask

First you turn off your car (gloves),then you take of your shades
(googles) because you are indoors, your take off your dress
(gown) and finally you wipe off your lipstick (Mask)
 NCLEX MNEMONIC
TRANSMISSION-BASED PRECAUTIONS

AIRBORNE DROPLET PRECAUTIONS CONTACT PRECAUTIONS

SPIDERMAN MRS. WEE

My - measles s - sepsis m - multidrug resistant organism

Chicken - chickenpox s - scarlet fever r - RSV
Hez - herpes zoster s - streptococcal pharyngitis s - skin infections
TB - TB p - parvovirus b19 w - wound infections
p - pertussis e - enteric infections - C. diff.
p - pneumonia e - eye infections
i - influenza
d - diptheria (pharyngeal)
e - epiglottitis
r - rubella
m - mumps
m - meningitis
m - mycoplasma or meningeal
pneumonia
an - adenovirus
NCLEX MNEMONIC
Seven Warning Signs of Cancer
C - Change in bowel or bladder habits
A - A sore throat that does not heal
U - Unusual bleeding or discharge
T - Thickening or lump in breast or elsewhere
I - Indigestion or dysphagia
O - Obvious change in wart or mole
N - Nagging cough or hoarseness
NCLEX MNEMONIC
ATROPINE
"A goes with B"
Used to treat bradycardia
 NCLEX MNEMONIC
OPIOD EFFECTS
“Bad Americans”
Bradycardia & hypotension Increased smooth muscle activity
Anorexia (biliary tract constriction)
Diminished pupilary size Constipation
Analgesia Ameliorate cough reflex
Miosis Nausea and vomiting
Euphoria Sedation
Respiratory depression
NCLEX MNEMONIC
Cyanotic defects
"3 T's"
Tetralogy of Fallot
Truncus Arteriosus
Tricuspid Atresia
NCLEX MNEMONIC
Cleft lip post op care
"CLEFT LIP"
Choking precautions Larger nipple opening
Lie on back Incidence increased in
Evaluate Airway males
Feed Slowly Prevent crust formation
Teaching and aspiration
NCLEX MNEMONIC
EMERGENCY MEDS
"drugs to LEAN on"
Lidocaine
Epinephrine
Atropine Sulfate
Narcan
NCLEX MNEMONIC
Pediatric Hypoxia Symptoms
"FINES"
Feeding difficulty
Inspiratory Stridor
Nares Flares
Expiratory Grunting
Sternal Retractions
NCLEX MNEMONIC
Diet For Severe Dehydration
"BRAT"
Banana
Rice
Apple
Toasted Bread
 NCLEX MNEMONIC
Foods To Avoid With Celiac Disease
"BROW"
Barley
Rye
Oats
Wheat
NCLEX MNEMONIC
Causes of Metabolic Acidosis
“LUSK”
Lactic
Uremic
Salicylate
Ketoacidosis
 NCLEX MNEMONIC
DO NOT delegate what you can EAT!

E - evaluate
A - assess
T - teach
 NCLEX MNEMONIC
No Pee, no K

Do not give potassium without adequate

urine output
NCLEX MNEMONIC

If a client is in distress, do not

assess ! Safety comes first!
NCLEX MNEMONIC
Converting temperatures
TO CONVERT CENTIGRADE TO F
F= C+40, multiply 9/5 and substract 40

TO CONVERT FAHRENHEIT TO C
C= F+40, multiply 5/9 and substract 40
 NCLEX MNEMONIC
Household measures
1 tsp (teaspoon)= 5 ml 1 pint= 2 cups
1 T(tbsp)= 3 tsp = 15 ml 1 gr (grain)= 60 mg
1 oz= 30 ml 1 g (gram)= 1000 mg
1 cup= 8 oz 1 kg= 2.2 lbs
1 quart= 2 pints 1 lb= 16 oz