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Nursing Mnemonics

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Heart Sounds Nursing Mnemonic (APE To Man – All People Enjoy Time Magazine)

Heart Sounds Nursing Mnemonic (APE To Man – All People Enjoy Time Magazine)

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Outline

Objective

Effectively apply the “APE To Man” mnemonic and its variations, “All People Enjoy Time Magazine,” to accurately recall and identify the anatomical locations of heart valve auscultation sites, including Aortic, Pulmonic, Erb’s point, Tricuspid, and Mitral, based on their associated intercostal spaces and positional cues. This mnemonic will serve as a valuable memory aid for precise cardiac assessment during clinical practice and examinations.

APE To Man

A-Aortic
P-Pulmonic
E-Erbs points
T-Tricuspid
M-Mitral

heart valve nursing mnemonic

Description

Aortic and Pulmonic (A&P): 2 words, 2 spaces; these coincide in that they are both in the 2nd intercostal space. A is immediately to the right of the sternum, P is immediately to the left of the sternum. Erb’s point: Erb has 3 letters; you can find this point in the 3rd intercostal space (just to the left of the sternum), also the 3rd space to auscultate Tricuspid: 5th intercostal, just to the left of the sternum. Tri = 3, this is the fourth place to auscultate in the 5th intercostal space! Mitral: Mit sounds similar to mid.. Midclavicular area and straight down just below nipple line.

Now, when we’re talking about the heart, we’ve got four important valves to keep in mind: two atrioventricular (AV) valves and two semilunar valves. The AV valves are like the gatekeepers between the atria and ventricles. On the right side, we’ve got the tricuspid valve, and on the left side, it’s the mitral valve, which is also known as the bicuspid valve.

Then, we’ve got the semilunar valves, which hang out between the ventricles and those big arteries – the pulmonary artery and the aorta. On the left, it’s the aortic valve, and on the right, you’ve got the pulmonary valve.

Now, here’s the cool part: ‘APE to Man Heart’ is our secret handshake. It’s an easy way to remember the order in which we hear these valves during our auscultation adventures. As we move our stethoscope from the top right to the bottom left of the chest wall, we’ll hear them in the sequence they’re named in the mnemonic.

Another variation of this mnemonic is:

All People Enjoy Time Magazine

The idea is the same . . . A.P.E.T.M . . . once you nail this you will be a pro at heart assessment.

nursing mnemonic heart sounds

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Nursing Mnemonics

Concepts Covered:

Study Plan Lessons

Myocardial Infarction Nursing Mnemonic (MONATAS)

Insulin Mnemonic (Ready, Set, Inject, Love)

OLD CARTS Mnemonic (OLD CARTS)

AVPU Mnemonic (The AVPU Scale)

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)

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)

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)

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)

Senile Dementia – Assess for Changes Nursing Mnemonic (JAMCO)

Shock – Signs and symptoms Nursing Mnemonic (TV SPARC CUBE)

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)

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)

Scleroderma Symptoms Nursing Mnemonic (CREST)

Seizure Causes Nursing Mnemonic (VITAMIN)

Seizure Documentation Nursing Mnemonic (TDOC)

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)

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)

OB Non-Stress Test Results Nursing Mnemonic (NNN)

Oral Birth Control Pills – Serious Complications Nursing Mnemonic (Aches)

Pain Assessment Questions Nursing Mnemonic (OPQRST)

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)

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)

Multiple Sclerosis Symptoms Nursing Mnemonic (DEMYELINATION)

Murmur locations Nursing Mnemonic (hARD ASS MRS. MSD)

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)

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 Nursing Mnemonic (RAT BED)

Hypoxia – Signs and Symptoms (in Pediatrics) Nursing Mnemonic (FINES)

IADLS (Instrumental Activities of Daily Living) Nursing Mnemonic (SCUM)

Increase MAP Nursing Mnemonic (VAK)

Inflammation- Signs and Symptoms Nursing Mnemonic (HIPER)

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)

Heart Sounds Nursing Mnemonic (APE To Man – All People Enjoy Time Magazine)

HELLP Syndrome – Signs and Symptoms Nursing Mnemonic (HELLP)

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)

Fire Safety 1 Nursing Mnemonic (PASS)

Fire Safety 2 Nursing Mnemonic (RACE)

Flu Symptoms Nursing Mnemonic (FACTS)

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)

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)

VEAL CHOP Nursing Mnemonic (Fetal Accelerations and Decelerations) (VEAL CHOP)

Fetal Distress Interventions Nursing Mnemonic (Stop MOAN)

Fetal Wellbeing Assessment Tests Nursing Mnemonic (ALONE)

Diagnostic Criteria for Lupus Nursing Mnemonic (SOAP BRAIN MD)

Diarrhea – Treatment Nursing Mnemonic (BRAT)

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)

Electrolytes – Location in Body Nursing Mnemonic (PISO)

Emergency Drugs Nursing Mnemonic (LEAN)

Environmental Health Assessment Nursing Mnemonic (I PREPARE)

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)

Diabetes Mellitus Type 1- Signs & Symptoms Nursing Mnemonic (The 3 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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

Mnemonic for Organ Systems (MR DICE RUNS)

BPH Symptoms Nursing Mnemonic (FUN WISE)

Bulimia – Signs and Symptoms 1 Nursing Mnemonic (BULIMIA)

Bulimia – Signs and Symptoms 2 Nursing Mnemonic (WASHED)

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)

Alkalosis and Acidosis Nursing Mnemonic (Kick Up, Drop Down)

Altered Mental Status Nursing Mnemonic (AEIOU TIPS)

Alzheimer – Diagnosis Nursing Mnemonic (The 5 A’s)

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)

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)