This document contains numerous mnemonics and acronyms used in nursing to help summarize and remember important concepts. Examples include ADPIE for the nursing process, ACHES for serious complications of oral birth control pills, and MONA for the immediate treatment of a myocardial infarction client. Many of the mnemonics are organized with a theme, such as the cranial nerve mnemonics using words that correspond to each nerve.

1. A-ssessment
Steps in the Nursing Process D- iagnosis
P-lanning
ADPIE (A Delicious PIE) I-mplementation
E-valuaton
A-ssessment
Steps in the Nursing Process A-nanlysis
P-lanning
AAPIE (An Apple Pie) I-mplementation
E-valuation
H-eat
I-nduration
Inflammation (HIPER) P-ain
E-dema
R-edness
R-espiratory
O-pposite
Acid-Base (ROME)
M-etabolic
E-qual
C-hange in bowel or bladder
A- lesion that does not heal
U-nusual bleeding or discharge
T-hickening or lump in breast or elsewhere
CANCER'S Early Warning Signs
I-ndigestion or difficulty swallowing
CAUTION UP O-bvious changes in wart or mole
N-agging cough or persisten hoarseness
U-nexplained weight loss
P-ernicious Anemia
C-omfort
A-ltered Body Image
N-utrition
CANCER Interventions C-hemotherapy
E-valuate response to meds
R-espite for caretakers
T-achycardia
I-rritability
Hypoglycemia (TIRED)
R-estless
- an abnormal decrease of blood in the sugar
E-xcessive Hunger
D-iaphoresis/ Depression
S-ugar (Glucocorticoids)
Adrenal Gland Hormones (SSS) S-alt (Mineralcorticoids)
S-ex (Androgens)
M-Morphine
Pulmonary Edema (MAD DOG) A-Aminophylline

2. D- Digitalis
D-Diuretics (Lasix)
O- Oxygen
G- ases (Blood Gases ABG's)
P-Pain
P-Paresthesia
5 P's of Circulatory Checks P-Paralysis
P-Pulse
P-Pallor (Paleness)
D-aily Weight
I- ntake and Output (I & O)
U- rine Output
R-esponse of BP
Hypertension Nursing Care (DIURETIC) E-lectrolytes
T-ake Pulses
I-schemic Episodes (TIA)
C-omplications: 4C's
C- Coronary Artery Disease
C- Coronary Rheumatic Fever
4 C's of Hypertension (Complications) C- Congestive Heart Failure
C- Cardio Vascular Accident
T-issue Perfusion Problems
R-espiratory Problems
A-nxiety
U-nstable Clotting Factors
Complications of Trauma Client
M-alnutrition
(TRAUMATIC) A-ltered Body Image
T-hromboembolism
I-nfection
C-oping Problems
T- Tetralogy of Fallot
T- TruncusArteriosus
Cyanotic Defects: 4 T's T- Transportation of the Great Vessels
T- Tricuspid Atresia
O-Lympic (Olfactory)
O-Pium (Optic)
O-Ccupies (Oculomotor)
T-ROubled (Trochlear)
T-RIathletes (Trigeminal)
A-fter (Abducens)
Cranial Nerve Mnemonic 01 F-inishing (Facial)
V-Egas (Vestibulocochlear)
G-ambling (Glossopharyngeal)
V-Acations (Vagus)
S-till (Spinal Accessory)
H-igh (Hypoglossal)
O- Oh
Cranial Nerve Mnemonic 02 O- Oh
O- Oh

3. T- To
T- Touch
A- And
F - Feel
A
G - irl's
V - agina
S - So
H- Heavenly
O- On
O -Old
O- Obando
T- Tower
T- Top
A-
Cranial Nerve Mnemonic 03 F- Filipino
A - Army
G - Guards
V - Villages
A - And
H - Huts
S - Some
S - Says
M- Marilyn
M- Monroe
B - But
Cranial Nerve Mnemonics M- My
(Sensory, Motor or Both) B- Brother
S- Says
B- Bridget
B - Bardot
M- Mmm
M- Mmm
S- Some
S- Say
M - Marry
M- Money
B- But
Cranial Nerve Mnemonics 02 M- My
(Sensory, Motor or Both) B - Brother
S- Says
B- Bad
B- Business
M - Marry
M - Money
R- Rest
I - Ice
Nursing Care for Sprains and Strains (RICE)
C - Compression
E- Elevation

4. T- Temperature (Extremity, Infection)
R - Ropes hang freely
A - Alignment
C - Circulation Check (5 P's)
Care of Client in Traction (TRACTION) T- Type & Location of fracture
I - Increase fluide intake
O - Overhead trapeze
N - No weights on bed or floor
OB Non-Stress Test (NNN) N - Non-reactive
3 negatives in a row to interpret results of Non-Stress N - Non- Stress is
Test N - Not good
H- emolysis
E- levated
Severe Pre-Eclampsia (HELLP) L- iver function tests
L- ow
P- latelet count
A- Amniocentesis
L- L/S Ratio
Assessment Tests for Fetal Well-Being
O - Oxytocin Test
(ALONE) N - Non-Stress Test
E - Estriol Level
R- Redness
E- Edema
Evalution of Episiotomy Healing (REEDA) E - Ecchymosis
D - Discharge, Drainage
A - Approximation
R- Redness
E- Edema
Evalution of Episiotomy Healing (REEDA) E - Ecchymosis
D - Discharge, Drainage
A - Approximation
B-reasts
U-terus
B-owels
Post-Partum Assessment (BUBBLE) B-ladder
L-ochia
E-pisiotomy/lateration/C-section incision
C- Choking
Tracheal Esophageal Fistula (3 C's) C- Coughing
C - Cyanosis
C-hoking
L-ie on back
E-valuate Airway
F-eed Slowly
Cleft Lip - Post Op Care (CLEFT LIP) T-eaching
L-arger nipple opening
I-ncidenceincerase in males
P-revent crust formation and aspiration

5. B-athing
A-mbulation
ADLs (Activity of Daily Living) T-oileting
BATTED T-ransfers
E-ating
D-ressing
S-hopping
IADLS (Instrumental Activities of Daily C-ooking and Cleaning
Living) SCUM U-sing telephone or transportaiton
M-anaging money and medications
R- Razor Electric/ Blades
A- Aspirin
Bleeding Precautions (RANDI) N- No needles (esp. in small gauge)
D- Do decrease in needle sticks)
I - Injury (Protect from)
C- Cane
O- Opposite
Canes and Walkers (COAL)
A- Affected
L- Leg
W- Walker
Canes and Walkers (WWAL) W- With
Wandering Wilma's Always Late A- Affected
L - Leg
D-elirium
I-nfection
A-trophic Urethra
Common Causes of Transient Incontinence P-harmaceuticals
(DIAPPERS) P-sychologic
E-xcess Urine Output
R-estricted Mobility
S-tool Impaction
P-osition
O-utput
O-ffer Fluids
P-rivacy
E-xercise
Promotion of Normal Elimination (POOPER R-eport Results
SCOOP)
S-ize (Amount)
C-onsistency
O-ccult Blood
O-dor
P-eristalsis
A-irway
B-reathing
Emergency Trauma Assessment
C-irculation
(ABCDEFGHI) D-isability
E-xamine

6. F-ahrenheit
G-et Vitals
H-ead to Toe Assessment
I-ntervention
A-llergies
M-edications
Trauma Surgery (AMPLE)
P-ast Medical History
after initial assessment L-ast Meal
E-vents Surrounding Injury
A-llergies
M-edications
Trauma Surgery (AMPLE)
P-ast Medical History
after initial assessment L-ast Meal
E-vents Surrounding Injury
P- Pulmonary Bronchial Constriction
P- Possible Foreign Body
P- Pulmonary Embolus
6 P's of Dyspnea P- Pneumothorax
P- Pump Failure
P- Pneumonia
S-lurred Speech
A-ltered Central Nervous System
Lidocaine Toxicity (SAMS) M-uscle Twitching
S-eizures
S-lurred Speech
A-ltered Central Nervous System
Lidocaine Toxicity (SAMS) M-uscle Twitching
S-eizures
T - Theophyline
D - Dilantin
TDCI (These Drugs Can Interact) C - Coumadin
I - losone (Erythromycin)
A- Abdominal Pain
C - Chest Pain
Serious Complications of Oral Birth Control
H - Headache
Pills (ACHES) E - Eye Problems
S - Severe Leg Pain
L- Lidocaine
E - Epinephrine
Emergency Drugs to LEAN on
A- Atropine Sulfate
N - Narcan
I - Isoproterenol
D - Dopamine
Drugs for Bradycardia& low BP (IDEA) E - Epinephrine
A - Atropine Sulfate
S-alivation
Cholinergic Crisis (SLUD) L-acrimation
U-rination

7. D-efecation
S-leep Disturbances
Depression Assessment (SIG) I-nterest Decreased
G-uilty Feelings
C-oncentration decreased
A-ppetite
Energy Decreased (CAPS) P-sychomotor function decreased
S-uicidal Ideations
A-mnesia
A-nomia
5 A's to Alzheimer Diagnosis A-praxia
A-gnosia
A-phasia
D- Distractibility
I - Indiscretion
G - Grandiosity
Major Symptoms of a Manic Attack (DIG
FAST) F- Flight of Ideas
A- Activity Increase
S- Sleep Deficit
T - Talkative
P- Preventable
3 P's of Blindness P- Painless
P- Permanent
A- Anemia
Symptoms of Leukemia (ANT) N- Neutropenia
T- Thrombocytopenia
F - Frequency (3x per week)
Exercise Guide for Diabetic Fitness (FIT) I - Intensity (60-80% of Maximal Heart Rate)
T- Time (Aerobic Activity)
Early Hypoxia:
R-estlessness
A-nxiety
T-achycardia/ Tachypnea
Symptoms of Hypoxia (RAT BED)
Late Hypoxia:
B-radycardia
E-xtreme Restlessness
D-yspnea
F-eeding difficulty
I-nspiratory Stridor
Symptoms of Hypoxia (in Pediatrics) -
N-ares Flares
FINES E-xpiratory Grunting
S-ternal Retractions

8. A-drenergics (Albuterol)
S-teroids
T-heophylline
Management of ASTHMA H-ydration (IV)
M-ask (Oxygen)
A-ntibiotics
A-irway Closed
I-ncreased Pulse
R-estlessness
Epiglottitis (AIR RAID)
R-etractions
A-nxiety Increased
I-nspiratory Stridor
D-rooling
T-ricuspid
Blood Flow Through the Cardiac Valves (Tissue Paper P-ulmonic
My Assets) M-itrial
A-ortic
M- Morphine
Immediate Treatment of a Myocardial O- Oxygen
Infarction Client (MONA) N- Nitroglycerine
A- ASA
U-pright Position
N-itrates (in low dose)
L-asix
O-xygen
A-minophylline
Treating CHF (UNLOAD FAST) D-igoxin
F-luids (decrease)
A-fterload (decrease)
S-odium restriction
T-est (Dig level, ABGs, K level)
Make sure they don't have problems with:
D-rug and alcohol
E-yes and ears
M-etabolic and endocrine disorders
DEMENTIA
E-motional disorders
N-eurologic disorders
T-umors and trauma
I-nfection
A-rteriovascular disease
A-lcohol Use
C-orticosteroid Use
Osteoporosis Risk Factors (ACCESS) C-alcium low
E-strogen low
S-moking

9. S-edentary lifestyle/s
ACCESS leads to OSTEOPOROSIS
A- Acid-Base Problems
E- Electrolyte Problems
Who needs dialysis? (Check the vowels:
I- Intoxications
AEIOU) O- Overload of fluids
U - Uremic Symptoms
F- Frequency
Prostate Problems are no... FUN U- Urgency
N- Nocturia
B- Banana
R- Rice
BRAT Diet (for severe dehydration)
A- Apple
T- Toasted Bread
R- Rye
Gluten Free Diet (ROW) O- Oats
W- Wheat
J- Judgment
A- Affect
Assess Changes in Senile Dementia
M- Memory
(JAMCO)
C- Cognition
O- Orientation
P- Polyuria (excessive urination)
3 P's of Diabetes Mellitus - Type 1 Signs &
P- Polydypsia (excessive thirst)
Symptoms P- Polyphagia (excessive hunger)
H- Hepatomegaly
E- Edema (Bipedal)
Right-Sided Heart Failure (HEAD) A- Ascites
D- Distended Neck Vein
C- Cough
H- Hemoptysis
Left-Sided Heart Failure (CHOP) O- Orthopnea
P- Pulmonary Congestion (crackles/ rales)
K- Kayexalate (orally/ enema)
I- Insulin
Hyperkalemia Management (KIND) N- Na HCO3
D- Diuretics (Furosemide & Thiazides)
M- Morphine
O- Oxygen
N- Nitrates (Nitroglycerin)
Management of Myocardial Infarction
A- Aspirin (ASA)
(MONATAS) T- Thormbolytics
A- Anti-Coagulants
S- Stool Softeners

10. P- Potassium
I- Inside
Electrolytes - PISO
S- Sodium
O- Outside
A-menorrhea delayed
N-o organic factors accounts for weight loss
O-bviously thin but feels FAT
R-efusal to maintain normal body weight
Eating Disorder: ANOREXIA E-pigastric discomfort is common
X-symptoms (peculiar symptoms)
I-ntense fears of gaining weight
A-lways thinking of foods
B-inge eating
U-nder strict dieting
L-acks control over-eating
Eating Disorder: BULIMIA I-nduced vomiting
M-inimum of to binge eating episodes
I-ncrease/Persistent concern of body size/shape
A-buse of diuretics & laxatives
W-eight loss of 15% of original body weight
A-menorrhea
S-ocial withdrawal
Findings of a Bulimia client: WASHED H-istory of high activity & achievement
E-lectrolyte Imbalance
D-epression/ Distorted Body Image
B- Brain Damage
Outcome of Alcoholism: BAD A- Alcoholic Hallucinosis
D- Death
D- Denial
D- Dependency
5 D's of Behavioral Problems of Alcoholism D- Demanding
D- Destructive
D- Domineering
R- Ruthless
A- Abusive
Situations requiring Crisis Situation: RAPE
P- Personal
E- Experience
C-hild's excessive knowledge on sex & abusive words
H-air growth in various lengths
I-nconsistent stories from the child & parent/s
L-ow self-esteem
D-epression
Warning Signs of a Child Abuse/ Neglect:
CHILD ABUSE A-pathy, no emotion
B-ruised
U-nusual injuries
S-erious injuries
E-vidence of old injuries not reported