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Mnemonics are handy ways to remember things. The clinical team here at Lippincott NursingCenter has organized this list of nursing mnemonics to help you structure your care and remember important concepts. Use them to help you streamline tasks such as how to organize your day and communicate effectively, as well as memory aids for physiology, pathophysiology, signs and symptoms, and more. These mnemonics are great study tools as well!  

Download all mnemonics as a .pdf to make flashcards!  
Clarify how you should be addressed
Document your name and role on communication boards and educational materials

For a concise, comprehensive approach to communicate about a patient s condition, think SBAR

Situation
Background
Assessment
Recommendation

Alkalosis has a K, therefore it is Kicking the pH up!
Acidosis has a D, therefore it is Dropping the pH down!

Antiarrhythmics (amiodarone, pronestyl)
Beta blockers (metoprolol, labetalol)
Calcium channel blockers (diltiazem)
Digoxin
Electricity (cardioversion)

To remember the causes of pulseless arrest including pulseless electrical activity (PEA), asystole, ventricular fibrillation, and ventricular tachycardia.), think of the H s and T s

Hypovolemia
Hypoxia
Hypothermia
Hypoglycemia
Hyper/hypokalemia
Hydrogen ions (acidosis)
Toxins
Tamponade
Tension pneumothorax
Thrombosis
Trauma

To remember the types of WBCs and their descending proportion in a blood sample, think Never Let Monkeys Eat Bananas

Neutrophils
Lymphocytes
Monocytes
Eosinophils
Basophils

To remember the cranial nerves and their order think of the saying, On Old Olympus s Towering Tops, A Finn and German Viewed Some Hops

Olfactory (CNI)
Optic (CN II)
Oculomotor (CN III)
Trochlear (CN IV)
Trigeminal (CN V)
Abducens (CN VI)
Facial (CN VII)
Acoustic (CN VIII)
Glossopharyngeal (CN IX)
Vagus (CN X)
Spinal accessory (CN XI)
Hypoglossal (CN XII)

Avoid unprotected UV exposure; seek shade
Wear sunprotective clothing, hat, and sunglasses
Apply sunscreen generously and often
Routinely check skin and report changes
Educate yourself and others

To remember the early signs of syndrome of inappropriate antidiurectic hormone (SIADH), think FLAT

Fatigue
Lethargy
Anorexia
Thirst

When caring for a patient with a behavioral health disorder in an acute care setting, think ESCAPE

Early assessment
Symptom identification
Choose communication techniques wisely
Assess history of prior treatment
Psychiatric medication reconciliation and maintenance
Eliminate or decrease stressors

Energy loss
Sad feelings/suicide thoughts, plans, or attempts, sexual inhibitions, sleep change (loss or excess), social withdrawal
Other (guilt, loss of pleasure, hopelessness)
Memory loss
Emotional blunting

Don t ovulate (anovulation)
Unusual corpus luteum activity (prolonged or insufficient)
Birth control pills

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