Nursing Care and Pathophysiology for Hypovolemic Shock

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Nichole Weaver
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Included In This Lesson

Study Tools For Nursing Care and Pathophysiology for Hypovolemic Shock

Shock (Cheatsheet)
Rapid Infusion Hypovolemic Shock (Image)
Types of Shock (Picmonic)
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Outline

Pathophysiology: There is low blood flow either from hemorrhage, traumatic injury, dehydration, or burns. There is a loss of the circulating volume so there isn’t enough blood to enter the heart (preload), which decreases stroke volume and low cardiac output. The body will vasoconstrict to compensate. The body will shunt blood away from nonvital organs to vital organs.

Overview

  1. Hypovolemic Shock – loss of blood volume leading to decreased oxygenation of vital organs
  2. Body’s compensatory mechanisms fail and organs begin to shut down.

Nursing Points

General

  1. Stages of Hypovolemia
    1. Stage I – 500-750 mL Loss
    2. Stage II – 750 – 1500 mL Loss
    3. Stage III – 1500 – 2000 mL Loss
    4. Stage IV – > 2000 mL Loss

Assessment

  1. Symptoms
    1. Stage I – compensation
      1. May be asymptomatic
      2. Mild weakness
      3. Maybe pale
    2. Stage II – over compensation
      1. HR >100
      2. Pale
      3. Anxious
      4. UOP < 30mL/hr
    3. Stage III – failing compensation
      1. HR > 120
      2. ↓ BP
      3. ↓ LOC
      4. Pale, cool, clammy
      5. UOP <20 mL/hr
    4. Stage IV – failed compensation
      1. HR > 140
      2. SBP < 90
      3. RR > 30
      4. ↓ LOC → coma
      5. Weak pulse
      6. VERY pale, cool, diaphoretic
      7. No UOP
  2. Identify Cause
    1. Vomiting / diarrhea x days
    2. Severe burns
    3. Traumatic injury
    4. Hemorrhage (surgical, obstetric)

Therapeutic Management

  1. Treat Cause
    1. OR for repair
    2. Meds for vomiting / diarrhea
  2. Replace Volume
    1. Crystalloid – LR, NS
    2. Colloid – Blood Products
    3. Rapid Infuser
  3. Support Perfusion
    1. Hemodynamic Monitoring
    2. Vasopressors
  4. Life Support
    1. Decreased LOC = may need airway protection & ventilation

Nursing Care

  1. Fluid & Electrolytes
    1. 2 Large-bore IV’s
    2. Replace Volume IV
    3. RAPID IV Bolus
  2. Perfusion
    1. Monitor VS
    2. Hemodynamic Monitoring
      1. A-line
      2. Central Line
    3. Titrate Vasopressors
  3. Oxygenation
    1. Monitor airway/breathing
    2. Monitor SpO2 and LOC
    3. Give O2 as needed
    4. Prep for Life Support

Patient Education

  1. Reason for IV fluids
  2. Keep informed during treatment
  3. Possible informed consent for OR
  4. Blood transfusions

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Transcript

Okay guys, we’re gonna talk specifically about hypovolemic shock.

In hypovolemic shock, the initial insult, or the reason the organs aren’t receiving oxygen, is low blood volume. This could be because of a traumatic injury or hemorrhage, severe dehydration, or even burns can cause significant loss of circulating volume. If you guys can get the patho behind this, it will be easy to understand the symptoms. So if this is our circulatory system and this tank is our total blood volume, you can see here that the tank is low. So what happens is the blood that enters and fills the heart is decreased. Remember that’s called our preload. When our preload decreases, cardiac output also decreases and our body has mechanisms it uses to try to compensate. So you’ll see a lot of vasoconstriction in the body because it’s trying to push the blood back toward the heart – that means the pressure our heart has to pump against is increased – that’s our afterload. But it also means blood flow has shunted away from the non-vital organs like the skin – that’s why they get pale and cold. And then the heart rate will also increase to compensate for the lower stroke volume. After a while, we’ll begin to see our Blood pressure decrease because the body can only compensate for so long. Ultimately, there’s just not enough circulating blood volume to serve the whole system, and it will start to shut down.

So in our patients, the severity of the symptoms we see depends entirely on the amount of volume they’ve lost. In the first couple stages, they’ve lost a good bit of volume, but not so much that the body can’t compensate. You may not see any symptoms, but if you do they’re minor. You might see an elevated heart rate, they might be a little pale or cold, and you may start to see a decreased urine output because the kidneys are working to compensate by retaining fluid.

In stage III, this is where shock is kicking in. These compensatory mechanisms are failing and the patient is definitely in trouble. You’ll see their blood pressure decrease, their heart rate increases, and their urine output will be low for sure. They’ll be pale, clammy, and weak and will likely have a decreased level of consciousness because of the lack of oxygen to the brain. So we’re seeing this lack of perfusion to the kidneys and lack of perfusion to the brain – that’s shock. This patient needs intervention as soon as possible.

Stage IV is a dire life-threatening condition for the patient. Their blood pressure will be significantly low, their heart rate and respiratory rate will be significantly high. Their level of consciousness will be decreased – possibly to the point of them being unresponsive. Pulses may be thready, they will be very pale, cool, and clammy. And they will likely have little to no urine output at this point because of the lack of kidney flow. Now, you’ll notice that stage IV is a fluid loss of more than 2 L. The body only holds about 5 L of blood, so this person has lost 40% of their circulating volume! If we don’t restore the flow of oxygenated blood, this patient’s not gonna make it.

You know, sometimes you’ll see these things and you won’t know what’s really going on because there’s no obvious sign of bleeding or anything. This actually happened to me once in a post-op patient. They seemed fine, vitals were stable. They were complaining of being weak and they were a little pale, but I thought it was the anesthesia. They started to get anxious and their heart rate went up a little – but they were also in pain, so I just gave them some morphine. Next thing I knew, their heart rate was in the 120s, their blood pressure had dropped, and they were super confused. They had already pushed into Stage III and were showing signs of shock because their brain wasn’t getting enough oxygen. I called the surgeon and within 30 minutes my patient was back in the OR repairing a bleed. So it’s so important that you know when your patient is at risk and recognize these early signs for what they are! We want you to catch it sooner rather than later!

So what’s the treatment plan for a patient in hypovolemic shock? Well we ALWAYS want to treat the cause, whatever it was. But either way, we need to replace the volume they lost. This may be crystalloids or colloids, depending on the problem. Now, sometimes we just can’t replace fluids fast enough to support their blood pressure, so we may give things like vasopressors while we work on replacing volume. But it’s so important to remember that squeezing the tank does nothing if it’s empty. So always start filling the tank first. Also since these patients are at risk for a decreased LOC, they may actually need to be put on life support to protect their airway, depending on their situation.

When it comes to nursing care, there are a lot of priorities for this patient – one of which being that they need to be in an ICU. But we’re gonna focus on the top 3 concepts here. If you check out the outline and the care plan attached to this lesson, you’ll see a ton of details about specific interventions. The first concept is fluid & electrolytes because the #1 priority here is going to be to replace the volume they lost as fast as possible! When it comes to perfusion, we need to work to monitor and maintain their blood pressure. Then finally, these patients are definitely at risk for airway and breathing issues, so we need to monitor their oxygen status and intervene if needed.

So remember in hypovolemic shock, the initial insult is low blood volume – that causes a decrease in the oxygen being provided to the tissues. After a large amount of volume loss, the body loses its ability to compensate, hence the progression into shock. We want to treat the cause and we want to replace the volume they’ve lost (and then some). We will need to support their perfusion during this process so we’ll monitor them closely and possibly start vasopressors if necessary – just remember to fill the tank first! Keep your priority nursing concepts in mind and intervene as needed. And of course remember that this is an emergency. Recognize it and act quickly!

We want you guys to have peace of mind and be confident knowing that you can recognize this and even save a life! We love you guys, go out and be your best self today! And, as always, Happy Nursing!

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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)