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Study Plan for Test Taking for the NCLEX® designed for Bolivar Technical College
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Nursing Care and Pathophysiology for Cushings Syndrome

Nursing Care and Pathophysiology for Cushings Syndrome

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Included In This Lesson

Study Tools
Outline
ADPIE Related Lessons
Transcript
Additional Lessons

Study Tools For Nursing Care and Pathophysiology for Cushings Syndrome

Cushings Assessment (Mnemonic)
Adrenal Gland Hormones (Mnemonic)
Cushings Pathochart (Cheatsheet)
Endocrine System Study Chart (Cheatsheet)
Addison’s vs. Cushing’s (Cheatsheet)
Moon Face in Cushing’s Syndrome (Image)
Symptoms of Cushing’s Syndrome (Image)
Cushing’s Syndrome Signs (Image)
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Outline

Overview

  1. Hypersecretion of glucocorticoids leading to elevated cortisol levels
  2. A greater incidence in women
  3. Life-threatening if untreated

Nursing Points

General

  1. Causes
    1. Adrenal or Pituitary Tumor
      1. The pituitary gland controls adrenal hormones
    2. Overuse or Chronic use of Corticosteroids
  2. Adrenal Cortex
    1. Glucocorticoids
      1. Cortisol
      2. Glucose & Fat Metabolism
      3. Anti-inflammatory
    2. Mineralocorticoids
      1. Aldosterone
      2. Regulate fluid and electrolytes
    3. Sex hormones (Androgens)
      1. Testosterone, Estrogen
      2. Control physical features
      3. Control hair distribution
  3. Adrenal Medulla
    1. Epinephrine (Adrenaline)
    2. Norepinephrine (Noradrenaline)
    3. Fight or Flight Response
  4. Cushing’s Syndrome
    1. Excess Cortisol
    2. Excess Aldosterone
    3. Excess Androgens

Assessment

  1. Cardiovascular
    1. Hypertension
    2. Signs of Heart Failure
  2. Metabolic
    1. Redistribution of Fats
    2. Moon Face
    3. Buffalo Hump
  3. Integumentary
    1. Excess hair
    2. Striae on abdomen
    3. Fragile skin
    4. Peripheral edema
  4. Electrolytes
    1. Hypokalemia
    2. Hypocalcemia
    3. Hypernatremia
    4. Hyperglycemia
  5. Decreased Immune Response

Therapeutic Management

  1. Remove Adrenal or Pituitary Tumor
  2. Adrenalectomy
  3. Decrease dose or stop corticosteroid use
  4. Monitor Electrolytes and Cardiovascular Status
    1. Replace electrolytes as needed
  5. Safety → Protect from Injury
    1. Risk for Osteoporosis (hypocalcemia)
    2. Risk for Infection
    3. Risk for Skin breakdown

Nursing Concepts

  1. Fluid & Electrolytes
    1. Monitor and replace electrolytes as needed
    2. Monitor EKG and Cardiac status
    3. Administer medications as ordered
  2. Infection Control
    1. Monitor VS for s/s infection
    2. Meticulous wound care
    3. Infection precautions
  3. Safety
    1. Risk for osteoporosis → protect from injury
    2. Risk for skin breakdown → skincare and meticulous wound care
  4. Comfort and Coping
    1. Changes to appearance
    2. Edema & weight gain

Patient Education

  1. Proper dosing of steroids
  2. Coping strategies as needed
  3. s/s infection to report to the provider
  4. Blood sugar monitoring
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Transcript

In this lesson we’re going to talk about Cushing’s Syndrome. Now, Cushing’s Syndrome, you’ll see, is the opposite of Addison’s Disease.

First, let’s quickly review the A&P of the adrenal glands. If you can understand what they do, it’s easier to understand what happens when something goes wrong. The adrenal glands sit on top of the kidneys. They have two parts – the outer portion is called the adrenal cortex, the inner portion is the adrenal medulla. The adrenal cortex is responsible for secreting hormones such as glucocorticoids, mineralocorticoids, and androgens. Glucocorticoids help manage glucose and fat metabolism and have anti-inflammatory properties – they suppress immune response. Mineralocorticoids like aldosterone help with fluid & electrolyte balance. And androgens are sex hormones like testosterone and estrogen. The adrenal medulla secretes epinephrine or adrenaline and norepinephrine, or noradrenaline. These hormones are responsible for the fight or flight response in the sympathetic nervous system.

In Cushing’s Syndrome, we see a hypersecretion of hormones, specifically the ones from the adrenal cortex, the outside of the adrenal glands. So that’s increased glucocorticoids like cortisol, increased mineralocorticoids like aldosterone, and increased androgen hormones. It can actually be caused by Cushing’s Disease, but also by excess use of corticosteroids, OR by an adrenal or pituitary tumor – so that’s why we’re talking about Cushing’s Syndrome instead of just Cushing’s Disease. So, start thinking about what this will look like in your patient. Cortisol is responsible for storing fat and it increases glucose levels, so what happens if we have too much that? Aldosterone is responsible for retaining sodium and water, what happens if we have too much of that?

Those effects are going to be seen throughout the body. In the cardiovascular system, we’re going to see hypertension and signs of CHF – why? Because there’s too much aldosterone and it’s holding onto sodium and water – so our intravascular volume is going to go way up. Remember from the hemodynamics lesson that increased volume puts strain on the heart because of the increased preload.
Remember that cortisol is responsible for storing fats, so with excess cortisol, we see this abnormal distribution of fats. Specifically we see what’s referred to as moon face, like you see here – they get the big puffy cheeks and fat build up around their face. We’ll also see what’s called a Buffalo Hump, which is a collection of fat on the back of the neck and top of the back. It’s very prominent and you’ll recognize it when you see it. Because of the excess glucocorticoids, their skin becomes very fragile and almost soggy. They start to have striae on their abdomen and thighs. We’ll see a picture of this on the next slide, but they look like extreme stretch marks on the sides of the abdomen. Because of the excess androgens, we may also see excessive hair growth on the face, arms, and back.

Then, just like in Addison’s Disease, since we know that our mineralocorticoids are affected, we’re going to see electrolyte abnormalities. Remember that aldosterone is responsible for retaining sodium and water….and this time we have excessive secretion – we have too much aldosterone. So the kidneys begin to retain a ton of sodium and water. So we’ll see hypernatremia. And any time the kidneys are retaining sodium, they are going to excrete potassium, so we’re gonna see hypokalemia. Both of these conditions are dangerous for patients because of their effects on the cardiovascular and neurological systems. Then, in Cushing’s Syndrome we see hypocalcemia (just remember it goes the same direction as the potassium in these disorders). And, then because there’s so much glucocorticoid in the system, we’ll see severe hyperglycemia. This even happens when we administer corticosteroids because that’s part of their job is to increase glucose levels in the system. You’ll have a patient without diabetes get put on steroids and then you start to see their sugars running in the 200’s. They are not a diabetic, they are experiencing this effect of the steroids.

When we’re managing a patient with Cushing’s Syndrome, the only treatment besides monitoring and managing electrolytes is to remove the source of the problem. If it was caused by excess use of steroids, we can lower the dose or switch them to a different anti-inflammatory option. We could remove the tumor if that’s what’s causing it. Pituitary tumors cause this because they are the master gland, they control the secretion of these hormones from the adrenal gland. Or, we could remove the adrenal glands altogether. The problem is, that flips them over into Addison’s Disease – so they’ll have to be on hormones and electrolyte monitoring for the rest of their lives. Either way, we’ll monitor their electrolytes and their cardiovascular status closely. We want to protect them from injury because hypocalcemia can lead to brittle bones. We know that excess glucocorticoids can cause a decreased immune response. They’re anti-inflammatory, which is great, but it suppresses the immune system and puts the patient at risk for infection. And then we know they have fragile skin and get those striae like you can see in this image – their skin is at risk for tearing or breaking down. We want to make sure we do really good skin care and good wound care since they will be so prone to infection. We also want to help patients cope – the changes in their physical appearance alone can be very distressing.

So our top priority nursing concepts for a patient with Cushing’s Syndrome are going to be fluid & electrolytes, hormone regulation, and glucose metabolism. Plus of course safety and infection control. Make sure you check out the care plan attached to this lesson for detailed nursing interventions and rationales.

So let’s quickly recap. Cushing’s Syndrome is caused by hypersecretion or excess circulating adrenal cortex hormones like glucocorticoids, mineralocorticoids, and androgens. We want to monitor their fluid and electrolyte status because they can be volume overloaded, hyponatremic, and hyperkalemic, plus their blood sugars can be significantly elevated. If left untreated, patients can progress to heart failure so we need to address the cause and treat the symptoms. We also want to prevent complications. Patients are at risk for infection, brittle bones, and hyperglycemia, so we practice good infection control measures and monitor their sugars closely.

So those are the basics of Cushing’s Syndrome. Make sure you check out all the resources attached to this lesson to learn more. Now, go out and be your best selves today. And, as always, happy nursing!

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Study Plan for Test Taking for the NCLEX® designed for Bolivar Technical College

Concepts Covered:

  • Noninfectious Respiratory Disorder
  • Test Taking Strategies
  • Respiratory Disorders
  • EENT Disorders
  • Prenatal Concepts
  • Studying
  • Prefixes
  • Suffixes
  • Acute & Chronic Renal Disorders
  • Disorders of the Adrenal Gland
  • Legal and Ethical Issues
  • Preoperative Nursing
  • Integumentary Disorders
  • Oncology Disorders
  • Musculoskeletal Trauma
  • Bipolar Disorders
  • Disorders of the Posterior Pituitary Gland
  • Hematologic Disorders
  • Community Health Overview
  • Immunological Disorders
  • Renal Disorders
  • Childhood Growth and Development
  • Labor Complications
  • Upper GI Disorders
  • Medication Administration
  • Neurological Emergencies
  • Adulthood Growth and Development
  • Disorders of Pancreas
  • Musculoskeletal Disorders
  • Cardiac Disorders
  • Disorders of the Thyroid & Parathyroid Glands
  • Integumentary Important Points
  • Pregnancy Risks
  • Urinary Disorders
  • Vascular Disorders
  • Eating Disorders
  • Learning Pharmacology
  • Anxiety Disorders
  • Basic
  • Basics of NCLEX
  • Factors Influencing Community Health
  • Lower GI Disorders
  • Intraoperative Nursing
  • Integumentary Disorders
  • Neurologic and Cognitive Disorders
  • Trauma-Stress Disorders
  • Central Nervous System Disorders – Brain
  • Somatoform Disorders
  • Fundamentals of Emergency Nursing
  • Dosage Calculations
  • Depressive Disorders
  • Personality Disorders
  • Cognitive Disorders
  • Substance Abuse Disorders
  • Psychological Emergencies
  • Circulatory System
  • Postoperative Nursing
  • Hematologic Disorders
  • Liver & Gallbladder Disorders
  • Infectious Respiratory Disorder
  • Central Nervous System Disorders – Spinal Cord
  • Emergency Care of the Cardiac Patient
  • Concepts of Population Health
  • Peripheral Nervous System Disorders
  • Emotions and Motivation
  • Note Taking
  • Female Reproductive Disorders
  • Delegation
  • Oncologic Disorders
  • Prioritization
  • Postpartum Complications
  • Endocrine and Metabolic Disorders
  • Fetal Development
  • Shock
  • Emergency Care of the Neurological Patient
  • Respiratory Emergencies
  • Labor and Delivery
  • Gastrointestinal Disorders
  • Communication
  • Concepts of Mental Health
  • Health & Stress
  • EENT Disorders
  • Urinary System
  • Digestive System
  • Tissues and Glands
  • Developmental Theories
  • Postpartum Care
  • Cardiovascular Disorders
  • Newborn Care
  • Renal and Urinary Disorders
  • Newborn Complications
  • Musculoskeletal Disorders
  • Infectious Disease Disorders
  • Nervous System
  • Behavior
  • Respiratory System
  • Basics of Human Biology
  • Neurological Trauma
  • Concepts of Pharmacology
  • Microbiology
  • Psychotic Disorders
  • Emergency Care of the Trauma Patient

Study Plan Lessons

Nursing Care and Pathophysiology of COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease)
12 Points to Answering Pharmacology Questions
ABGs Nursing Normal Lab Values
Care of the Pediatric Patient
Glaucoma
Menstrual Cycle
Time Management
X-Ray (Xray)
54 Common Medication Prefixes and Suffixes
ABG (Arterial Blood Gas) Interpretation-The Basics
Nursing Care and Pathophysiology of Acute Kidney (Renal) Injury (AKI)
Addisons Disease
Advance Directives
Burn Injuries
Cataracts
Computed Tomography (CT)
Family Planning & Contraception
Informed Consent
Lung Sounds
Study Setting
Vitals (VS) and Assessment
Alveoli & Atelectasis
Nursing Care and Pathophysiology for Cushings Syndrome
Goal Setting
Macular Degeneration
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
Preoperative (Preop)Assessment
Pressure Ulcers/Pressure injuries (Braden scale)
Therapeutic Drug Levels (Digoxin, Lithium, Theophylline, Phenytoin)
Nursing Care and Pathophysiology for Diabetes Insipidus (DI)
Nursing Care and Pathophysiology for Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation (DIC)
Epidemiology
Essential NCLEX Meds by Class
Gas Exchange
Nursing Care and Pathophysiology of Glomerulonephritis
Growth & Development – Infants
Nursing Care and Pathophysiology for Herpes Zoster – Shingles
Isotonic Solutions (IV solutions)
Nursing Care and Pathophysiology of Osteoarthritis (OA)
Nursing Care and Pathophysiology for Pancreatitis
Preoperative (Preop) Education
6 Rights of Medication Administration
Cerebral Angiography
Growth & Development – Toddlers
Health Promotion & Disease Prevention
Hearing Loss
Hypotonic Solutions (IV solutions)
Nursing Care and Pathophysiology of Osteoporosis
Nursing Care and Pathophysiology for Peptic Ulcer Disease (PUD)
Preoperative (Preop) Nursing Priorities
Respiratory Acidosis (interpretation and nursing interventions)
Thrombocytopenia
Blood Transfusions (Administration)
Cardiovascular Angiography
Fractures
Growth & Development – Preschoolers
Nursing Care and Pathophysiology for Hyperthyroidism
Hypertonic Solutions (IV solutions)
Integumentary (Skin) Important Points
Preload and Afterload
Respiratory Alkalosis
Nursing Care and Pathophysiology of Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)
Echocardiogram (Cardiac Echo)
Growth & Development – School Age- Adolescent
Nursing Care and Pathophysiology for Hypothyroidism
Legal Considerations
Metabolic Acidosis (interpretation and nursing diagnosis)
Performing Cardiac (Heart) Monitoring
HIPAA
Metabolic Alkalosis
The SOCK Method – Overview
Ultrasound
The SOCK Method – S
The SOCK Method – O
Base Excess & Deficit
The SOCK Method – C
The SOCK Method – K
Biopsy
Anxiety
Basics of Calculations
Brief CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation) Overview
Critical Thinking
Cultural Care
Gestation & Nägele’s Rule: Estimating Due Dates
Potassium-K (Hyperkalemia, Hypokalemia)
Nursing Care and Pathophysiology of Angina
Nursing Care and Pathophysiology for Appendicitis
Nursing Care and Pathophysiology for Asthma
Bloom’s Taxonomy
Nursing Care and Pathophysiology of Chronic Kidney (Renal) Disease (CKD)
Nursing Care and Pathophysiology of Diabetes Mellitus (DM)
Dimensional Analysis Nursing (Dosage Calculations/Med Math)
Environmental Health
Fire and Electrical Safety
General Anesthesia
Generalized Anxiety Disorder
Gravidity and Parity (G&Ps, GTPAL)
Impetigo
Leukemia
Levels of Consciousness (LOC)
Sodium-Na (Hypernatremia, Hyponatremia)
Nursing Care and Pathophysiology of COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease)
Diabetes Management
Dialysis & Other Renal Points
Local Anesthesia
Lymphoma
Nursing Care and Pathophysiology of Myocardial Infarction (MI)
Oral Medications
Pediculosis Capitis
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Routine Neuro Assessments
What is the NCLEX?
Adjunct Neuro Assessments
Anatomy of an NCLEX Question
Burn Injuries
Chloride-Cl (Hyperchloremia, Hypochloremia)
Nursing Care and Pathophysiology of Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA)
Fundal Height Assessment for Nurses
Injectable Medications
Moderate Sedation
Oncology Important Points
Somatoform
Technology & Informatics
Nursing Care and Pathophysiology of Coronary Artery Disease (CAD)
Fall and Injury Prevention
Hyperglycaemic Hyperosmolar Non-ketotic syndrome (HHNS)
Nursing Care and Pathophysiology for Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)
IV Infusions (Solutions)
Malignant Hyperthermia
Maternal Risk Factors
Complex Calculations (Dosage Calculations/Med Math)
Intracranial Pressure ICP
Mood Disorders (Bipolar)
Nursing Care and Pathophysiology for Ulcerative Colitis(UC)
Cerebral Perfusion Pressure CPP
Nursing Care and Pathophysiology for Crohn’s Disease
Depression
Isolation Precaution Types (PPE)
Paranoid Disorders
Personality Disorders
Cognitive Impairment Disorders
Eating Disorders (Anorexia Nervosa, Bulimia Nervosa)
Alcohol Withdrawal (Addiction)
Grief and Loss
Suicidal Behavior
Normal Sinus Rhythm
Physiological Changes
Post-Anesthesia Recovery
Red Blood Cell (RBC) Lab Values
SATA
Sickle Cell Anemia
Absolute Words
Nursing Care and Pathophysiology for Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS)
Nursing Care and Pathophysiology for Cholecystitis
Discomforts of Pregnancy
Nursing Care and Pathophysiology for Heart Failure (CHF)
Hemoglobin (Hbg) Lab Values
Nursing Care and Pathophysiology for Influenza (Flu)
Nursing Care and Pathophysiology for Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
Postoperative (Postop) Complications
Sinus Bradycardia
Nursing Care and Pathophysiology for Anaphylaxis
Antepartum Testing
Hematocrit (Hct) Lab Values
Hemophilia
Nursing Care and Pathophysiology for Hepatitis (Liver Disease)
Opposites
Sinus Tachycardia
Nursing Care and Pathophysiology for Tuberculosis (TB)
Nursing Care and Pathophysiology for Cirrhosis (Liver Disease, Hepatic encephalopathy, Portal Hypertension, Esophageal Varices)
Discharge (DC) Teaching After Surgery
Nutrition in Pregnancy
Pacemakers
Nursing Care and Pathophysiology of Pneumonia
Same
White Blood Cell (WBC) Lab Values
Atrial Fibrillation (A Fib)
Communicable Diseases
Platelets (PLT) Lab Values
Priority
Coagulation Studies (PT, PTT, INR)
Disasters & Bioterrorism
Nursing Process
Acute vs Chronic
Miscellaneous Nerve Disorders
Premature Ventricular Contraction (PVC)
What do you want me to know?
Duplicate Facts
Ventricular Tachycardia (V-tach)
Repeating Words
Ventricular Fibrillation (V Fib)
Denying Feelings
NCLEX® Question Traps
Albumin Lab Values
Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs in Nursing
Outline Question Method (Note taking)
Nursing Care and Pathophysiology for Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)
Benzodiazepines
Cholesterol (Chol) Lab Values
Delegation
Drawing Pictures
Nursing Care and Pathophysiology for Hemorrhagic Stroke (CVA)
Nursing Care and Pathophysiology of Hypertension (HTN)
Ammonia (NH3) Lab Values
Artificial Airways
Nursing Care and Pathophysiology for Endometriosis
Nursing Care and Pathophysiology for Ischemic Stroke (CVA)
Nephroblastoma
Prioritization
Airway Suctioning
Chorioamnionitis
Nursing Care and Pathophysiology for Menopause
Stroke Assessment (CVA)
Triage
Nursing Care and Pathophysiology for Cardiomyopathy
Gestational Diabetes (GDM)
Stroke Therapeutic Management (CVA)
Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation (DIC)
Stroke Nursing Care (CVA)
Ectopic Pregnancy
Nursing Care and Pathophysiology for Thrombophlebitis (clot)
Hydatidiform Mole (Molar pregnancy)
Gestational HTN (Hypertension)
Infections in Pregnancy
Preeclampsia: Signs, Symptoms, Nursing Care, and Magnesium Sulfate
Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN) Lab Values
Fever
Overview of the Nursing Process
Creatinine (Cr) Lab Values
Dehydration
Fetal Development
Nursing Care and Pathophysiology for Hypovolemic Shock
Seizure Causes (Epilepsy, Generalized)
Nursing Care and Pathophysiology for Cardiogenic Shock
Fetal Environment
Seizure Assessment
Chest Tube Management
Nursing Care and Pathophysiology for Distributive Shock
Fetal Circulation
Seizure Therapeutic Management
Urinalysis (UA)
Nursing Care and Pathophysiology for Seizure
Glucose Lab Values
Process of Labor
Vomiting
Pediatric Gastrointestinal Dysfunction – Diarrhea
Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1C)
Mechanisms of Labor
Therapeutic Communication
Defense Mechanisms
Leopold Maneuvers
Celiac Disease
Fetal Heart Monitoring (FHM)
Nursing Care and Pathophysiology for Meningitis
Appendicitis
Intussusception
Abuse
Constipation and Encopresis (Incontinence)
Patient Positioning
Complications of Immobility
Conjunctivitis
Prolapsed Umbilical Cord
Acute Otitis Media (AOM)
Placenta Previa
Abruptio Placentae (Placental abruption)
Tonsillitis
Preterm Labor
Urinary Elimination
Bowel Elimination
Precipitous Labor
Dystocia
Pain and Nonpharmacological Comfort Measures
Hygiene
Overview of Developmental Theories
Postpartum Physiological Maternal Changes
Bronchiolitis and Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV)
MAOIs
Postpartum Discomforts
Breastfeeding
Asthma
SSRIs
Cystic Fibrosis (CF)
TCAs
Congenital Heart Defects (CHD)
Intake and Output (I&O)
Defects of Increased Pulmonary Blood Flow
Blood Glucose Monitoring
Postpartum Hemorrhage (PPH)
Defects of Decreased Pulmonary Blood Flow
Mastitis
Insulin
Obstructive Heart (Cardiac) Defects
Mixed (Cardiac) Heart Defects
Specialty Diets (Nutrition)
Enteral & Parenteral Nutrition (Diet, TPN)
Histamine 1 Receptor Blockers
Initial Care of the Newborn (APGAR)
Nephrotic Syndrome
Enuresis
Newborn Physical Exam
Body System Assessments
Histamine 2 Receptor Blockers
Newborn Reflexes
Babies by Term
Cerebral Palsy (CP)
Renin Angiotensin Aldosterone System
Head to Toe Nursing Assessment (Physical Exam)
Meconium Aspiration
Meningitis
Transient Tachypnea of Newborn
Hyperbilirubinemia (Jaundice)
Spina Bifida – Neural Tube Defect (NTD)
ACE (angiotensin-converting enzyme) Inhibitors
Autism Spectrum Disorders
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
Newborn of HIV+ Mother
Angiotensin Receptor Blockers
Calcium Channel Blockers
Cardiac Glycosides
Scoliosis
Metronidazole (Flagyl) Nursing Considerations
Ciprofloxacin (Cipro) Nursing Considerations
Vancomycin (Vancocin) Nursing Considerations
Anti-Infective – Penicillins and Cephalosporins
Atypical Antipsychotics
Rubeola – Measles
Mumps
Varicella – Chickenpox
Pertussis – Whooping Cough
Autonomic Nervous System (ANS)
Sympathomimetics (Alpha (Clonodine) & Beta (Albuterol) Agonists)
Parasympathomimetics (Cholinergics) Nursing Considerations
Parasympatholytics (Anticholinergics) Nursing Considerations
Diuretics (Loop, Potassium Sparing, Thiazide, Furosemide/Lasix)
Epoetin Alfa
HMG-CoA Reductase Inhibitors (Statins)
Magnesium Sulfate
NSAIDs
Corticosteroids
Hydralazine (Apresoline) Nursing Considerations
Nitro Compounds
Vasopressin
Nursing Care and Pathophysiology of Acute Kidney (Renal) Injury (AKI)
Addiction – Behavioral Problems Nursing Mnemonic (The 5 D’s)
Addisons Assessment Nursing Mnemonic (STEROID)
ADLs (Activity of Daily Living) Nursing Mnemonic (BATTED)
Adrenal Gland Hormones Nursing Mnemonic (The 3 S’s)
Airborne Precaution Diseases Nursing Mnemonic (MTV)
Alcoholism – Outcomes Nursing Mnemonic (BAD)
Alkalosis and Acidosis Nursing Mnemonic (Kick Up, Drop Down)
Altered Mental Status Nursing Mnemonic (AEIOU TIPS)
Alzheimer – Diagnosis Nursing Mnemonic (The 5 A’s)
Nursing Care and Pathophysiology for Anemia
Anion Gap Acidosis 1 Nursing Mnemonic (KULT)
Anion Gap Acidosis 2 Nursing Mnemonic (MUDPILES)
Anorexia – Signs and Symptoms Nursing Mnemonic (ANOREXIA)
Anticholinergics – Side Effects Nursing Mnemonic (4 Can’ts)
Aortic Aneurysm – Management Nursing Mnemonic (CRAM)
Aortic Aneurysm – Thoracic signs Nursing Mnemonic (PEE BADS)
Aortic Stenosis Symptoms Nursing Mnemonic (SAD)
Appendicitis – Assessment Nursing Mnemonic (PAINS)
ARDS causes Nursing Mnemonic (GUT PASS)
Arterial Blood Gases Nursing Mnemonic (ROME)
Assessment for Myasthenic Crisis Nursing Mnemonic (BRISH)
Assessment of a Burn Nursing Mnemonic (SCALD)
Assessment of Guillain-Barre Syndrome Nursing Mnemonic (GBS=PAID)
Asthma management Nursing Mnemonic (ASTHMA)
At Risk for Gout Nursing Mnemonic (MALE)
AVPU Mnemonic (The AVPU Scale)
Bacterial Endocarditis – Symptoms Nursing Mnemonic (Be Joan Of Arc)
Benzodiazepines Nursing Mnemonic (Donuts and TLC)
Beta 1 and Beta 2 Nursing Mnemonic (1 Heart, 2 Lungs)
Bleeding Complications (Minor) Nursing Mnemonic (BEEP)
Bleeding Precautions Nursing Mnemonic (RANDI)
Blood Type O Nursing Mnemonic (Universally Odd)
BPH Symptoms Nursing Mnemonic (FUN WISE)
Bulimia – Signs and Symptoms 1 Nursing Mnemonic (BULIMIA)
Bulimia – Signs and Symptoms 2 Nursing Mnemonic (WASHED)
Cancer – Early Warning Signs Nursing Mnemonic (CAUTION UP)
Cancer – Nursing Priorities Nursing Mnemonic (CANCER)
Canes Nursing Mnemonic (COAL)
Cardiac Valves Blood Flow Nursing Mnemonic (Toilet Paper my Ass)
Caring Licensed Practical Nurse Nursing Mnemonic (CLPN)
Causes of Anaphylaxis Nursing Mnemonic (Many Boys Love Food)
Causes of Chorioamnionitis Nursing Mnemonic (Pregnancies Are Very Interesting)
Causes of Dyspnea Nursing Mnemonic (The 6 P’s)
Causes of Labor Dystocia Nursing Mnemonic (Having Extremely Frustrating Labor)
Causes of Pancreatitis Nursing Mnemonic (BAD HITS)
Causes of Poor Gas Exchange Nursing Mnemonic (All People Can Value Lungs)
Causes of Postpartum Hemorrhage Nursing Mnemonic (4 T’s)
Causes of Renal Calculi Nursing Mnemonic (Patients Complain of Pain and Difficulty Urinating)
Chest Tube Assessment Nursing Mnemonic (Two AA’s)
CHF Treatment Nursing Mnemonic (UNLOAD FAST)
Child Abuse/Neglect – Warning Signs Nursing Mnemonic (CHILD ABUSE)
CHO, CHO, CHON Nursing Mnemonic (CHO, CHO, CHON)
Cholinergic Crisis – Signs and Symptoms Nursing Mnemonic (SLUDGE)
Circulatory Checks (5 P’s) Nursing Mnemonic (The 5 P’s)
Cirrhosis Complications Nursing Mnemonic (Please Bring Happy Energy)
Cleft Lip Repair – Post Op Care Nursing Mnemonic (CLEFT LIP)
Common Pathogens for UTI Nursing Mnemonic (KEEPS)
Common Signs of Parkinson’s Nursing Mnemonic (SMART)
Community Health Tool Nursing Mnemonic (MAP-IT)
Complications of Spinal Cord Injuries Nursing Mnemonic (ABCDEFG)
Complications of Thoracentesis Nursing Mnemonic (Patients Sometimes Bleed Internally)
Nursing Care and Pathophysiology for Heart Failure (CHF)
COPD management Nursing Mnemonic (COPD)
Cor Pulmonale – Signs & Symptoms Nursing Mnemonic (Please Read His Text)
Coronary Arteries – Location Nursing Mnemonic (I have a RIGHT to CAMP if you LEFT off the AC)
Cranial Nerve Mnemonic 01 Nursing Mnemonic (Olympic Opium Occupies Troubled Triathletes After Finishing Vegas Gambling Vacations Still High)
Cranial Nerve Mnemonic 02 Nursing Mnemonic (Oh Oh Oh To Touch And Feel Very Good Velvet AH!)
Cranial Nerve Mnemonic 03 Nursing Mnemonic (On Old Obando Tower Top A Filipino Army Guards Villages And Huts)
Crohn’s Morphology and Symptoms Nursing Mnemonic (CHRISTMAS)
Cushings Assessment Nursing Mnemonic (STRESSED)
Cyanotic Defects Nursing Mnemonic (The 4 T’s)
Decrease ICP Nursing Mnemonic (Craniums Excite Me)
Dementia Nursing Mnemonic (DEMENTIA)
Depression Assessment Nursing Mnemonic (SIGNS)
Diabetes Insipidus Nursing Mnemonic (DDD)
Nursing Care and Pathophysiology of Diabetes Mellitus (DM)
Diabetes Mellitus Type 1- Signs & Symptoms Nursing Mnemonic (The 3 P’s)
Diagnostic Criteria for Lupus Nursing Mnemonic (SOAP BRAIN MD)
Diarrhea – Treatment Nursing Mnemonic (BRAT)
Dissociative Disorders
Diverticulitis Complications Nursing Mnemonic (Please Fix His Abscess SOon)
DKA Treatment Nursing Mnemonic (KING UFC)
Drug Interactions Nursing Mnemonic (These Drugs Can Interact)
Drugs for Bradycardia & Low Blood Pressure Nursing Mnemonic (IDEA)
Drugs that Cause SJS Nursing Mnemonic (I C NASA)
Eczema
Electrolytes – Location in Body Nursing Mnemonic (PISO)
Emergency Drugs Nursing Mnemonic (LEAN)
Environmental Health Assessment Nursing Mnemonic (I PREPARE)
Epiglottitis – Signs and Symptoms Nursing Mnemonic (AIR RAID)
Episiotomy – Evaluation of Healing Nursing Mnemonic (REEDA)
Evaluation of Irregular Moles Nursing Mnemonic (ABCDE)
Exercise Guidelines Nursing Mnemonic (FIT)
Factors That Can Put a Pregnancy at Risk Nursing Mnemonic (RIBCAGE)
Fetal Distress Interventions Nursing Mnemonic (Stop MOAN)
Fetal Wellbeing Assessment Tests Nursing Mnemonic (ALONE)
Fire Safety 1 Nursing Mnemonic (PASS)
Fire Safety 2 Nursing Mnemonic (RACE)
Flu Symptoms Nursing Mnemonic (FACTS)
Fractures
GERD causes Nursing Mnemonic (Reflux Is Probably Mean)
Global Symptoms for Brain Tumors Nursing Mnemonic (HAS)
Gluten Free Diet Nursing Mnemonic (BROW)
Heart Failure – Right Sided Nursing Mnemonic (HEAD)
Heart Failure-Left-Sided Nursing Mnemonic (CHOP)
Heart Failure-Origin Nursing Mnemonic (Left – Lung|Right – Rest)
Heart Sounds Nursing Mnemonic (APE To Man – All People Enjoy Time Magazine)
HELLP Syndrome – Signs and Symptoms Nursing Mnemonic (HELLP)
Hemodynamics
Nursing Care and Pathophysiology for Hemorrhagic Stroke (CVA)
Hemorrhagic Stroke Risk Factors Nursing Mnemonic (HATS)
Hiatal Hernia Symptoms Nursing Mnemonic (Her Belly Really Hurts Following Dinner)
High Pressure Vent Alarms Nursing Mnemonic (Kings Eat Big Cakes)
High Risk Behavior Nursing Mnemonic (HEADSS)
Hypercalcemia – Signs and Symptoms Nursing Mnemonic (GROANS, MOANS, BONES, STONES, OVERTONES)
Hyperglycemia Management Nursing Mnemonic (Dry and Hot – Insulin Shot)
Hyperkalemia – Causes Nursing Mnemonic (MACHINE)
Hyperkalemia – Management Nursing Mnemonic (AIRED)
Hyperkalemia – Signs and Symptoms Nursing Mnemonic (Murder)
Hypernatremia – Causes Nursing Mnemonic (MODEL)
Hypernatremia – Signs and Symptoms 2 Nursing Mnemonic (FRIED)
Hypernatremia – Signs and Symptoms 2 Nursing Mnemonic (SWINE)
Hypernatremia – Signs and Symptoms 3 Nursing Mnemonic (SALT)
Hypertension – Nursing care Nursing Mnemonic (DIURETIC)
Hypertension- Complications Nursing Mnemonic (The 4 C’s)
Hypocalcemia – Definition, Signs and Symptoms Nursing Mnemonic (CATS)
Hypoglycemia – Signs and Symptoms Nursing Mnemonic (TIRED)
Hypoglycemia Management Nursing Mnemonic (Cool and Clammy – Give ‘Em Candy)
Hypoglycemia symptoms Nursing Mnemonic (DIRE)
Hypokalemia – Signs and Symptoms Nursing Mnemonic (6 L’s)
Hyponatremia- Definition, Signs and Symptoms Nursing Mnemonic (SALT LOSS)
Hypoxia – Signs and Symptoms (in Pediatrics) Nursing Mnemonic (FINES)
Hypoxia – Signs and Symptoms Nursing Mnemonic (RAT BED)
IADLS (Instrumental Activities of Daily Living) Nursing Mnemonic (SCUM)
Increase MAP Nursing Mnemonic (VAK)
Inflammation- Signs and Symptoms Nursing Mnemonic (HIPER)
Insulin Mnemonic (Ready, Set, Inject, Love)
Interventions for Aphasia Nursing Mnemonic (PROP)
Intra Uterine Device – Potential Problems Nursing Mnemonic (PAINS)
Intrarenal Causes of Acute Kidney Injury Nursing Mnemonic (TONIC)
Leukemia – Signs and Symptoms Nursing Mnemonic (ANT)
Levels of consciousness Nursing Mnemonic (Never Carry Dirty Socks Or Smelly Clothes)
Lidocaine Toxicity – Signs and Symptoms Nursing Mnemonic (SAMS)
Low Pressure Vent Alarms Nursing Mnemonic (Cake Everyday)
Lymphoma – Signs and Symptoms Nursing Mnemonic (NURSE For Pete’s Sake)
Management of Glomerulonephritis Nursing Mnemonic (Please Help Deliver Diuretics)
Management of Lyme Disease Nursing Mnemonic (BAR)
Management of Pressure Ulcers (Pressure Injuries) Nursing Mnemonic (SKIN)
Manic Attack – Signs and Symptoms Nursing Mnemonic (DIG FAST)
MAO Inhibitors Nursing Mnemonic (TIPS)
Medication Classess for IBD Nursing Mnemonic (Sometimes I Can’t Answer)
Medications for Pancreatitis Nursing Mnemonic (Please Make Tummy Better)
Medications to Prevent Seizures Nursing Mnemonic (Pretty Little Liars Forever)
Meningitis Assessment Findings Nursing Mnemonic (FAN LIPS)
Mnemonic for Organ Systems (MR DICE RUNS)
Multiple Sclerosis Symptoms Nursing Mnemonic (DEMYELINATION)
Murmur locations Nursing Mnemonic (hARD ASS MRS. MSD)
Nursing Care and Pathophysiology of Myocardial Infarction (MI)
Myocardial Infarction Nursing Mnemonic (MONATAS)
OB Non-Stress Test Results Nursing Mnemonic (NNN)
OLD CARTS Mnemonic (OLD CARTS)
Oral Birth Control Pills – Serious Complications Nursing Mnemonic (Aches)
Pain Assessment Questions Nursing Mnemonic (OPQRST)
Nursing Care and Pathophysiology for Parkinsons
Asthma
Pediatric Gastrointestinal Dysfunction – Diarrhea
Pharmacokinetics Nursing Mnemonic (ADME)
Planning Community Health Interventions Nursing Mnemonic (PRECEDE-PROCEED)
Pneumonia Risk Factors Nursing Mnemonic (VENTS)
Pneumothorax Signs and Symptoms Nursing Mnemonic (P-THORAX)
Possible Infections During Pregnancy Nursing Mnemonic (TORCH)
Post-Partum Assessment Nursing Mnemonic (BUBBLE)
Postpartum Hemorrhage (PPH)
Preeclampsia: Signs, Symptoms, Nursing Care, and Magnesium Sulfate
Pregnancy Outcomes Nursing Mnemonic (GTPAL)
Probable Signs of Pregnancy Nursing Mnemonic (CHOP BUGS)
Process of Labor – Mom Nursing Mnemonic (4 P’s)
Process of Labor – Baby Nursing Mnemonic (ALPPPS)
Promotion and Evaluation of Normal Elimination Nursing Mnemonic (POOPER SCOOP)
Prostate Nursing Mnemonic (FUN)
Proton Pump Inhibitors
Pulmonary edema treatment Nursing Mnemonic (MAD DOG)
Pupil Reactions Nursing Mnemonic (PERRLA)
Reactivation of Herpes Zoster Nursing Mnemonic (FICA)
Reasons for a Bronchoscopy Nursing Mnemonic (Please Assess His Weird Bronchoscopy Results)
Reasons for Chest Tube Nursing Mnemonic (Don’t Ever Fail)
Restrictive Lung Disease Causes Nursing Mnemonic (PAINT)
Rheumatoid Arthritis Assessment Nursing Mnemonic (RHEUMATOID)
Risk Factors for Cholelithiasis Nursing Mnemonic (5-F’s)
Risk Factors for Osteoporosis Nursing Mnemonic (ACCESS)
Safety Check Nursing Mnemonic (MADLE)
SBAR Communication Nursing Mnemonic (SBAR)
Schizophrenia
Scleroderma Symptoms Nursing Mnemonic (CREST)
Seizure Causes Nursing Mnemonic (VITAMIN)
Seizure Documentation Nursing Mnemonic (TDOC)
Senile Dementia – Assess for Changes Nursing Mnemonic (JAMCO)
Shock – Signs and symptoms Nursing Mnemonic (TV SPARC CUBE)
Nursing Care and Pathophysiology for SIADH (Syndrome of Inappropriate antidiuretic Hormone Secretion)
Signs of Osteoarthritis Nursing Mnemonic (OSTEO)
Sprains and Strains – Nursing Care Nursing Mnemonic (RICE)
SSRI’s Nursing Mnemonic (Effective For Sadness, Panic, and Compulsions)
Stages of Fetal Development Nursing Mnemonic (Proficiently Expanding Fetus)
Stages of Hepatitis Nursing Mnemonic (PIP)
Steps in the Nursing Process 1 Nursing Mnemonic (ADPIE)
Steps in the Nursing Process 2 Nursing Mnemonic (AAPIE)
Steps In The Nursing Process 3 Nursing Mnemonic (SOAPIE)
Steroids – Side Effects Nursing Mnemonic (6 S’s)
Stoke Assessments Nursing Mnemonic (FAST)
Symptoms of Hyperthyroidism Nursing Mnemonic (SWEATING)
Symptoms of Hypothyroidism Nursing Mnemonic (MOM’S SO TIRED)
Symptoms of Nephrotic Syndrome Nursing Mnemonic (NAPHROTIC)
Symptoms of Wernicke’s Encephalopathy Nursing Mnemonic (COAT)
TB Drugs Nursing Mnemonic (RIPE)
Toxicity Sepsis- Signs and Symptoms Nursing Mnemonic (The 6 T’s)
Tracheal Esophageal Fistula – Sign and Symptoms Nursing Mnemonic (The 3 C’s)
Traction – Nursing Care Nursing Mnemonic (TRACTION)
Transient Incontinence – Common Causes Nursing Mnemonic (P-DIAPERS)
Trauma – Assessment (Emergency) Nursing Mnemonic (ABCDEFGHI)
Trauma – Complications Nursing Mnemonic (TRAUMATIC)
Trauma Surgery – Medical History Nursing Mnemonic (AMPLE)
Treatment of Sickle Cell Nursing Mnemonic (HOP to the hospital)
Triage Nursing Mnemonic (START)
Two pathways of the peripheral nervous system Nursing Mnemonic (SAME)
Types of Anemia Nursing Mnemonic (Always Introduce Special Patients)
Types of Hemorrhoids Nursing Mnemonic (Pie)
Ulcerative Colitis – Assessment Nursing Mnemonic (MADE 10)
Umbilical Cord Vasculature Nursing Mnemonic (2A1V)
Vascular Disease – Deep Vein Thrombosis Nursing Mnemonic (HIS Leg Might Fall off)
Vascular disease – Raynaud’s symptoms Nursing Mnemonic (COLD HAND)
Vasospasm Therapy Nursing Mnemonic (Triple H Therapy)
VEAL CHOP Nursing Mnemonic (Fetal Accelerations and Decelerations) (VEAL CHOP)
Vitamins – Fat Soluble Nursing Mnemonic (All Dogs Eat Kibble)
Vitamins – Water Soluble Nursing Mnemonic (Birth Control)
Walkers Nursing Mnemonic (Wandering Wilma Always Late)
Who Needs Dialysis Nursing Mnemonic (AEIOU)