This is a list of mnemonics used in medicine and medical science, categorized and alphabetized. A mnemonic is any technique that assists the human memory with information retention or retrieval by making abstract or impersonal information more accessible and meaningful, and therefore easier to remember; many of them are acronyms or initialisms which reduce a lengthy set of terms to a single, easy-to-remember word or phrase.
Mnemonics with wikipages
ABC — airway, breathing, and circulation[ 1] AEIOU-TIPS — causes of altered mental status APGAR — a backronym for appearance, pulse, grimace, activity, respiration (used to assess newborn babies)[ 2] ASHICE — age, sex, history, injuries/illness, condition, ETA/extra informationFAST — face, arms, speech, time (stroke symptoms )Hs and Ts — causes of cardiac arrest IS PATH WARM? — suicide risk factorsOPQRST — onset, provocation, quality, region, severity, time (symptom checklist often used by first responders)RICE — rest, ice, compression, elevation (generic treatment strategy for sprains and bruises)RNCHAMPS — types of shock RPM-30-2-Can Do — START triage criteriaSOCRATES — used to evaluate characteristics of painSOAP – a technique for writing medical recordsSLUDGE — salivation, lacrimation, urination, defecation, gastric upset, and emesis (effects of nerve agent or organophosphate poisoning)
Anatomy
Anaesthesiology
MS MAID :
M onitors (EKG, SpO2, EtCO2, etc.)S uctionM achine check (according to ASA guidelines)A irway equipment (ETT, laryngoscope, oral/nasal airway)I V equipmentD rugs (emergency, inductions, NMBs, etc.)
Endotracheal intubation: diagnosis of poor bilateral breath sounds after intubation
DOPE :
D isplaced (usually right mainstem, pyriform fossa, etc.)O bstruction (kinked or bitten tube, mucous plug, etc.)P neumothorax (collapsed lung)E sophagus
General anaesthesia: equipment check prior to inducing
MALES :
M asksA irwaysL aryngoscopesE ndotracheal tubesS uction/S tylette, bougie
Spinal anaesthesia agents
"L ittle B oys P refer T oys":
Xylocaine: where not to use with epinephrine
"Ears, nose, hose, fingers, and toes"
The vasoconstrictive effects of xylocaine with epinephrine are helpful in providing hemostasis while suturing; however, they may also cause local ischemic necrosis in distal structures such as the digits, tip of nose, penis, ears, etc. "Digital PEN" – digits, penis, ear, nose
Depression: major episode characteristics
SPACE DIGS :
S leep disruptionP sychomotor retardationA ppetite changeC oncentration lossE nergy lossD epressed moodI nterest wanesG uiltS uicidal tendencies"SIG E CAPS" :
S leep disturbancesI nterest decreased (anhedonia)G uilt and/or feelings of worthlessnessE nergy decreasedC oncentration problemsA ppetite/weight changesP sychomotor agitation or retardationS uicidal ideation
Gain: primary vs. secondary vs. tertiary
P rimary: p atient's p syche improvedS econdary: s ymptom s ympathy for patientT ertiary: t herapist's gain
Kubler-Ross dying process: stages
"D eath a lways b rings g reat a cceptance":
D enialA ngerB argainingG rievingA cceptance
HERO :
H eterosexual/H omosexual crushesE ducation regarding short-term benefitsR isk-takingO mnipotence
CHAP :
C ataplexyH allucinationsA ttacks of sleepP aralysis on wakingUsual presentation is a young male, hence "chap"
Suicide: risk screening
SAD PERSONS scale
S ex (male – completion, female – attempt)A ge (adolescent or elderly)D epressionP revious attemptE thanol abuseR ational thinking lossS ocial support problemsO rganised planN o spouseS ickness (chronic illness)
Sleep stages: features
De lta waves during De epest sleep (stages 3 and 4, slow-wave)
dRE aM during REM sleep
Impotence causes
PLANE :
P sychogenic: performance anxietyL ibido: decreased with androgen deficiency, drugsA utonomic neuropathy: impede blood flow redirectionN itric oxide deficiency: impaired synthesis, decreased blood pressureE rectile reserve: cannot maintain an erection
MED :
Premature ejaculation: treatment
2 S's:
S SRIsS queezing technique (glans pressure before climax)More detail with 2 more S's:
S ensate-focus exercises (relieves anxiety)S top and start method (5–6 rehearsals of stopping stimulation before climax)
Biochemistry
B vitamin names
"T he r hythm n early p roved c ontagious":
In increasing order:
Essential amino acids
"TIM HALL PVT . (Ltd.) always arg ue and never (get) tir e":
†Note that this initialism uses single letters for each amino acid that are not the same as the standard single-letter codes commonly used in molecular biology to uniquely specify each amino acid; for example, though phenylalanine is represented here by the letter "P", it is formally represented by the letter "F" in most other contexts, and "P" is instead used to formally represent proline .
Fasting state: branched-chain amino acids used by skeletal muscles
"Muscles LIV e fast":
L eucineI soleucineV aline
Fat-soluble vitamins
"The fat (fat-soluble vitamins) cat lives in the ADEK (vitamins A , D , E , and K )."[ 3]
Folate deficiency: causes
A FOLIC DROP :
A lcoholismF olic acid antagonistsO ral contraceptivesL ow dietary intakeI nfection with Giardia C eliac sprueD ilantinR elative folate deficiencyO ldP regnant
ABCD :
A nderson's = B ranching enzymeC ori's = D ebranching enzymeOtherwise, cannot really distinguish clinically.
Glycogen storage: names of types I through VI
"V iagra p ills c ause a m ajor h ardon t endency":
V on Gierke'sP ompe'sC ori'sA nderson'sM cArdle'sH er'sT arui's
Enzyme classes
"'O n T he H ill, LIL ' Trans
1 - O xidoreductases
2 - T ransferases
3 - H ydrolases
4 - L yases
5 - I somerases
6 - L igases
7 - T ranslocases
Cardiology
Emergency medicine
Acute LVF management
LMNOP :[ 4]
L asix (furosemide)M orphine (diamorphine)N itratesO xygen (sit patient up)P ulmonary ventilation (if doing badly)
Atrial fibrillation: causes of new onset
THE ATRIAL FIBS :[ 4]
T hyroidH ypothermiaE mbolism (P.E.)A lcoholT rauma (cardiac contusion)R ecent surgery (post CABG)I schemiaA trial enlargementL one or idiopathicF ever, anemia, high-output statesI nfarctB ad valves (mitral stenosis)S timulants (cocaine, theo, amphet, caffeine)
S ecret l ittle TIP (about) b lood c lots:[ 4]
S igns/symptoms of PE (3)
PE is the most l ikely diagnosis (3)
T achycardia >100bpm (1.5)
I immobilisation/surgery in the last 4 weeks (1.5)
P revious DVT/PE
B lood in sputum (haemoptysis) (1)
Active c ancer (1)
Two tier score: PE likely > 4
Causes of life-threatening chest pain
PET-MAC [ 5]
GCS intubation
Under 8, intubate.[ 6]
Ipecac: contraindications
4 C's :[ 4]
C omatoseC onvulsingC orrosivehydroc arbon
JVP: raised JVP differential
PQRST (EKG waves):[ 4]
P ericardial effusionQ uantity of fluid raised (fluid over load)R ight heart failureS uperior vena caval obstructionT ricuspid stenosis/t ricuspid regurgitation/t amponade (cardiac)
DOGASH: [ 4]
D iamorphineO xygenG TN sprayA spirin 300 mgS treptokinaseH eparin
ITCHPAD [ 4]
I nfarction
T ension pneumothorax
C ardiac tamponade
H ypovolemia/h ypothermia/h ypo-,h yperkalemia/h ypomagnesmia/h ypoxemia
P ulmonary embolism
A cidosis
D rug overdose
SOAP ME
S uction
O xygen
A irway equipment
P ositioning
M onitoring & medications
E tCO2 & other equipment[ 7]
Rapid sequence intubation medications (RSI) (CCRx)
V ery c almly e ngage the r espiratory s ystem
V ecuronium 0.1 mg/kg[ 8]
C isatracurium 0.2 mg/kg[ 8]
E tomidate 0.3 mg/kg[ 8]
R ocuronium 0.6 mg/kg-1.2 mg/kg[ 8]
S uccinylcholine 1 mg/kg[ 8]
TV SPARC CUBE: [ 4]
T hirst
V omitting
S weating
P ulse weak
A nxious
R espirations shallow/rapid
C ool
C yanotic
U nconscious
B P low
E yes blank
Shock: types
RN CHAMPS (Alternatively: "MR. C.H. SNAP", or "NH CRAMPS"):
R espiratory
N eurogenic
C ardiogenic
H emorrhagic
A naphylactic
M etabolic
P sychogenic
S eptic[ 9]
BATS :[ 4]
B erry aneurysm
A rteriovenous malformation/a dult polycystic kidney disease
T rauma
S troke
HEAD HEART VESSELS :[ 4]
CNS causes include HEAD :
H ypoxia/h ypoglycemia
E pilepsy
A nxiety
D ysfunctional brain stem (basivertebral TIA)
Cardiac causes are HEART :
H eart attack
E mbolism (PE)
A ortic obstruction (IHSS, AS or myxoma)
R hythm disturbance, ventricular
T achycardia
Vascular causes are VESSELS :
V asovagal
E ctopic (reminds one of hypovolemia)
S ituational
S ubclavian steal
E NT (glossopharyngeal neuralgia)
L ow systemic vascular resistance (Addison's, diabetic vascular neuropathy)
S ensitive carotid sinus
Tension pneumothorax: signs and symptoms
P-THORAX [ 10]
P leuritic pain
T racheal deviation
H yperresonance
O nset sudden
R educed breath sounds (and dyspnea)
A bsent fremitus
X -ray shows collapse
TWEED SASH
Non-pharmacological analgesia.[ 11]
Non-Pharmacological Analgesic Strategies
Psychological Interventions
T
Therapeutic Touch (e.g. hand-holding)
W
Warn about painful interventions
E
Explain what is, or is about to, happen
E
Eye contact
D
Defend (patient) dignity
Physical Interventions
S
Stabilise fractures
A
Apply dressings to cover burns
S
Soft surface (avoid rigid spinal boards or stretchers)
H
Hypothermia avoidance
Ventricular fibrillation: treatment
S hock, s hock, s hock, e verybody s hock, l ittle s hock, b ig s hock, m omma s hock, p oppa s hock:[ 4]
Shock = Defibrillate
Everybody = Epinephrine
Little = Lidocaine
Big = Bretylium
Momma = MgSO4
Poppa = Procainamide
SPLINT [ 12]
S oft tissue interpositionP osition of reductionL ocation of fractureI nfectionN utritional (damaged vessel/ diseased bone)T umour (pathological fracture)The 6 P 's of comP artment syndrome:[ 13]
P ain.P aresthesia.P oikilothermia.P allor.P aralysis.P ulselessness.
Endocrine
Diabetes complications
KNIVES :[ 14]
K idney – nephropathy
N euromuscular – peripheral neuropathy, mononeuritis, amyotrophy
I nfective – UTIs, TB
V ascular – coronary/cerebrovascular/peripheral artery disease
E ye – cataracts, retinopathy
S kin – lipohypertrophy/lipoatrophy, necrobiosis lipoidica
4 T's:
T eratoma
T hymoma
T esticular-type
T -cell / Hodgkin's lymphoma
Dermatomyositis or polymyositis: risk of underlying malignancy
Risk is 30 % at age 30 .
Risk is 40 % at age 40 , and so on.
Lung cancer: main sites for distant metastases
BLAB :
B one
L iver
A drenals
B rain
Esophageal cancer: risk factors
ABCDEF :
A chalasia
B arret's esophagus
C orrosive esophagitis
D iverticuliis
E sophageal web
F amilial
Lung cancer: notorious consequences
SPEECH :
S uperior vena cava syndrome
P aralysis of diaphragm (p hrenic nerve)
E ctopic hormones
E aton-Lambert syndrome
C lubbing
H orner syndrome/ h oarseness
Mole: signs of trouble
ABCDE :
A symmetry
B order irregular
C olour irregular
D iameter usually > 0.5 cm
E levation irregular
Prognotic factors for cancer: general
PROGNOSIS :
P resentation (time & course)
R esponse to treatment
O ld (bad prog.)
G ood intervention (i.e. early)
N on-compliance with treatment
O rder of differentiation (>1 cell type)
S tage of disease
I ll health
S pread (diffuse)
Pituitary endocrine functions often affected by pituitary-associated tumor
"G o l ook f or the a denoma p lease":
Tropic hormones affected by growth tumor are:
G nRH
L SH
F SH
A CTH
P rolactin function
Abdominal assessment
To assess abdomen, palpate all 4 quadrants for DR. GERM :
D istension: liver problems, bowel obstruction
R igidity (board like): bleeding
G uarding: muscular tension when touched
E visceration/ e cchymosis
R ebound tenderness: infection
M asses
Altered level of consciousness: reasons
AEIOU TIPS
A lcohol
E pilepsy, electrolytes, and encephalopathy
I nsulin
O verdose, oxygen
U nderdose, uremia
T rauma, temperature
I nfection
P sychogenic, poisons
S troke, shock[ 15]
One two, put on my shoe - S1/2 roots for Achilles reflex (foot plantarflexion)
Three four, kick the door - L3/4 roots for patellar reflex (knee extension)
Five six, pick up sticks - C5/6 roots for brachioradialis and biceps brachii reflexes (elbow flexion)
Seven eight, shut the gate - C7/8 roots for triceps brachii reflex (elbow extension)
Cause of symptoms
OPQRST [ 16]
O nset of the event
P rovocation or palliation
Q uality of the pain
R egion and radiation
S everity
T ime
Fetal monitoring
VEAL CHOP
FHR Pattern: V ariableE arly decelerationA ccelerationL ate deceleration
Meaning: C ord compressionH ead compressionO 2P lacental insufficiency
[ 17]
Neurovascular assessment
5 P' s:
P ain
P allor
P aresthesia
P ulse
P aralysis[ 18]
Trauma assessment
DCAP-BTLS
D eformities
C ontusions
A brasionsavulsion
P enetrations
B urns
T enderness
L acerations
S welling
BP-DOC
B leeding
P ain
D eformities
O pen wounds
C repitus
Toxicological seizures: causes
OTIS CAMPBELL
O rganophosphates
T ricyclic antidepressants
I soniazid, i nsulin
S ympathomimetics
C amphor, c ocaine
A mphetamines
M ethylxanthines
PCP , p ropoxyphene, p henol, p ropranolol
B enzodiazepine withdrawal, b otanicals
E thanol withdrawal
L ithium, l idocaine
L indane, l ead[ 19]
Vomiting: non-GIT differential
ABCDEFGHI :
A cute renal failure
B rain [increased ICP]
C ardiac [inferior MI]
D KA
E ars [labyrinthitis]
F oreign substances [paracetamol, theo, etc.]
G laucoma
H yperemesis gravidarum
I nfection [pyelonephritis, meningitis]
Heart valve auscultation sites
"A ll p atients t ake m eds":
Reading from top left:
A ortic
P ulmonary
T ricuspid
M itral
Glasgow coma scale: components and numbers
Scale types is 3 V' s:
V isual response
V erbal response
V ibratory (motor) response Scale scores are 4,5,6:
Scale of 4 : see so much more
Scale of 5 : talking jive
Scale of 6 : feels the pricks (if testing motor by pain withdrawal)
Mental state examination: stages in order
"A ssessed m ental s tate to b e p ositively c linically u nremarkable":
A ppearance and behaviour [observe state, clothing...]
M ood [recent spirit]
S peech [rate, form, content]
T hinking [thoughts, perceptions]
B ehavioural abnormalities
P erception abnormalities
C ognition [time, place, age...]
U nderstanding of condition [ideas, expectations, concerns]
History
SAMPLE history
S igns and symptoms
A llergies
M edications
P ast medical history, injuries, illnesses
L ast meal/intake
E vents leading up to the injury and/or illness
OPQRST history
O nset of symptoms
P rovocation/pallitive
Q uality or character of pain
R egion of pain or radiation
S igns, symptoms and severity
T ime of onset, duration, intensity
Orthopaedic assessment
CLORIDE FPP
C haracter: sharp or dull pain
L ocation: region (joint) of origin
O nset: sudden vs. gradual
R adiation:
I ntensity: how severe (scale 1–10), impact on ADLs (activities of daily living), is it getting better, worse or staying the same?
D uration: acute vs. chronic
E vents associated: falls, morning stiffness, swelling, redness, joint clicking or locking, muscle cramps, muscle wasting, movement limitation, weakness, numbness or tingling, fever, chills, trauma (mechanism of injury), occupation activities, sports, repetitive movements
F requency: intermittent vs. constant, have you ever had this pain before?
P alliative factors: is there anything that makes it better? (rest, activity, meds, heat, cold)
P rovocative factors: is there anything that makes it worse? (rest, activity, etc.)[ 20]
Pain history checklist
SOCRATES :
S ite
O nset
C haracter
R adiation
A lleviating factors/ a ssociated symptoms
T iming (duration, frequency)
E xacerbating factors
S everity
Alternatively, signs and symptoms with the 'S'
PLOTRADIO
P ast history
L ocation
O nset/offset
T ype/character (of pain)
R adiation
A ggravating/alleviating factors
D uration
I ntensity
O ther associated symptoms
Abdominal swelling causes
9 F's:
F at
F eces
F luid
F latus
F etus
F ull-sized tumors
F ull bladder
F ibroids
F alse pregnancy
Head trauma: rapid neuro exam
12 P' s
P sychological (mental) status
P upils: size, symmetry, reaction
P aired ocular movements
P apilloedema
P ressure (BP, increased ICP)
P ulse and rate
P aralysis, p aresis
P yramidal signs
P in prick sensory response
P ee (incontinent)
P atellar reflex
P tosis
Ocular bobbing vs. dipping
"B reakfast is fast, d inner is slow, both go down ":
B obbing is fast
D ipping is slow
In both, the initial movement is down .
3AM :
3 rd nerve palsy
A nti-muscarinic eye drops (e.g. to facilitate fundoscopy)
M yotonic pupil
Clinical examination: initial Inspection of patient from end of bed
ABC :
A ppearance (SOB, pain, etc.)
B ehaviour
C onnections (drips, inhalers, etc. connected to patient)
Differential diagnosis checklist
"A VITAMIN C"
A cquired
V ascular
I nflammatory (i nfectious and non-i nfectious)
T rauma/ t oxins
A utoimmune
M etabolic
I diopathic
N eoplastic
C ongenital
Primitive reflexes
"A bsent r eflexes s hould g et p aediatrics p rofessors m ad"
A bsent: asymmetrical tonic neck reflex
R eflexes: rooting reflex
S hould: suck reflex
G et: grasp reflex
P aediatrics: placing reflex
P rofessors: parachute reflex
M ad: Moro reflex
BALD CHASM :
B lood pressure (high)
A rthritis
L ung disease
D iabetes
C ancer
H eart disease
A lcoholism
S troke
M ental health disorders (depression, etc.)
Four point physical assessment of a disease
"I' m a p eople p erson"
I nspection
A uscultation
P ercussion
P alpation
Medical history: disease checklist
MJ THREADS :
M yocardial infarction
J aundice
T uberculosis
H ypertension
R heumatic fever/ r heumatoid arthritis
E pilepsy
A sthma
D iabetes
S trokes
VAMP THIS :
V ices (tobacco, alcohol, other drugs, sexual risks)
A llergies
M edications
P reexisting medical conditions
T rauma
H istory of hospitalizations
I mmunizations
S urgeries
SMASH FM :
S ocial history
M edical history
A llergies
S urgical history
H ospitalizations
F amily history
M edications
Patient examination organization
SOAP :
S ubjective: what the patient says.
O bjective: what the examiner observes.
A ssessment: what the examiner thinks is going on.
P lan: what they intend to do about it
LADDERS :
L iving situation/ l ifestyle
A nxiety
D epression
D aily activities (describe a typical day)
E nvironmental risks / e xposure
R elationships
S upport system / s tress
"6 s tudents and 3 t eachers go for CAMPFIRE ":
S ite, s ize, s hape, s urface, s kin, s car
T enderness, t emperature, t ransillumination
C onsistency
A ttachment
M obility
P ulsation
F luctuation
I rreducibility
R egional lymph nodes
E dge
Short stature causes
RETARD HEIGHT :
R ickets
E ndocrine (cretinism, hypopituitarism, Cushing's)
T urner syndrome
A chondroplasia
R espiratory(suppurative lung disease)
D own syndrome
H ereditary
E nvironmental (postirradiation, postinfectious)
I UGR
G I (malabsorption)
H eart (congenital heart disease)
T ilted backbone (scoliosis)
Sign vs. symptom
S&S :
Si gn: I (the examiner) can detect attributes/reactions without patient description
Symp tom: p atient only can sense attributes/feelings
Social history
FED TACOS :
F ood
E xercise
D rugs
T obacco
A lcohol
C affeine
O ccupation
S exual activity
Surgical sieve for diagnostic categories
INVESTIGATIONS :
I atrogenic
N eoplastic
V ascular
E ndocrine
S tructural / mechanical
T raumatic
I nflammatory
G enetic / congenital
A utoimmune
T oxic
I nfective
O ld age / degenerative
N utritional
S pontaneous / idiopathic
PAST MIDNIGHT:
P sychological
A utoimmune
S pontaneous/idiopathic
T oxic
M etabolic
I nflammatory
D egenerative
N eoplastic
I nfection
G enetic
H ematological
T raumatic
VITAMIN CDEF:
V ascular
I nfective/inflammatory
T raumatic
A utoimmune
M etabolic
I atrogenic/idiopathic
N eoplastic
C ongenital
D egenerative/developmental
E ndocrine/environmental
F unctional
Breast history checklist
LMNOP :
L ump
M ammary changes
N ipple changes
O ther symptoms
P atient risk factors
Delivering bad news
SPIKES :
S etting up
P erception
I nvitation
K nowledge
E motions
S trategy and summary
Nephrology
Dialysis: Acute indications
AEIOU [ 21]
A cidosis (refractory to treatment)
E lectrolyte abnormalities (refractory to treatment, e.g. hyperkalemia)
I ngestions (e.g. methanol, ethylene glycol, lithium, salicylates)
O verload (volume overload refractory to IV diuresis)
U remia (presenting with pericarditis, bleeding, encephalopathy)
Neurology
Chorea: common causes
St. VITUS'S DANCE :[ 4]
S ydenhams
V ascular
I ncreased RBC's (polycythemia)
T oxins: CO, Mg, Hg
U remia
S LE
S enile chorea
D rugs
A PLA syndrome
N eurodegenerative conditions: HD, neuroacanthocytosis, DRPLA
C onception related: pregnancy, OCP's
E ndocrine: hyperthyroidism, hypo-, hyperglycemia
Congenital myopathy: features
DREAMS :[ 4]
D ominantly inherited, mostly
R eflexes decreased
E nzymes normal
A pathetic floppy baby
M ilestones delayed
S keletal abnormalities
Dementia: reversible dementia causes
DEMENTIA :[ 4]
D rugs/d epression
E lderly
M ulti-infarct/m edication
E nvironmental
N utritional
T oxins
I schemia
A lcohol
Friedreich ataxia trinucleotide repeat
"Ataxic GAA it"
Guanine
Adenine
Adenine [ 22]
Stroke risk factors
HEADS :[ 4]
H ypertension/ h yperlipidemia
E lderly
A trial fib
D iabetes mellitus/ drugs (cocaine)
S moking/s ex (male)
Horner syndrome
Horny PAMELA :
P tosis
A nhydrosis
M iosis
E nophthalmos
L oss of ciliary-spinal reflex
A nisocoria
Cerebellar signs
DANISH :
D ysdiadochokinesia / d ysmetriaA taxiaN ystagmus (horizontal)I ntention tremorS lurred speechH ypotonia
Causes of pinpoint pupils
P inpoint p upils are caused by op ioids and p ontine p athology
Diagnostic criteria of neurofibromatosis type 1
CAFÉ SPOT :
C afé au lait spotsA xillary + inguinal frecklingF ibromasE ye: Lisch nodulesS phenoid dysplasiaP ositive family historyO ptic t umour (glioma)
Features of normal pressure hydrocephalus
W et, w obbly, w acky:
Wet = urinary incontinenceWobbly = ataxic gaitWacky = dementia
Pathology
Gynaecomastia causing drugs
S ome d rugs c reate a wesome k nockers
S pironolactone
D igitalis
C imetidine
A lcohol
K etoconazole[ 23]
Psychiatry
Conduct disorder vs. antisocial personality disorder
C onduct disorder is seen in c hildren. A ntisocial personality disorder is seen in a dults.
AWESOME :
A ffect flat
W eight change (loss or gain)
E nergy, loss of
S ad feelings/ s uicide thoughts or plans or attempts/ s exual inhibition/ s leep change (loss or excess) / s ocial withdrawal
O thers (guilt, loss of pleasure, hopeless)
M emory loss
E motional blunting
Depression
UNHAPPINESS:
U nderstandable (such as bereavement, major stresses)
N eurotic (high anxiety personalities, negative parental upbringing, hypochondriasis)
A gitation (usually organic causes such as dementia)
P seudodementia
P ain
I mportuning (whingeing, complaining)
N ihilistic
E ndogenous
S econdary (i.e. cancer at the head of the pancreas, bronchogenic cancer)
S yndromal
Delirium
DIMES & 3Ps:
D rugs (or withdrawal)
I nfection (PUS = Pneumonia, UTI, Skin)
M etabolic (e.g. Na, Ca, TSH)
E nvironmental
S tructural
P ain
P ee
P oo
I WATCH DEATH [ 24] I nfections – PUS, CNS
W ithdrawal – alcohol, sedatives, barbiturates
A cute metabolic changes – pH, hypo/hyper Na, Ca, acute liver or renal failure
T rauma – brain injury, subdural hematoma
C NS – post-ictal, stroke, tumour, brain mets
H ypoxia – CHF, anemia
D efficiencies – thiamine, niacin, B12 (e.g. chronic G and T alcoholics)
E ndocrinopathies – hypo-/hyper-cortisol, hypoglycemia
A cute vascular – hypertensive encephalopathy, septic hypotension
T oxins and Drugs – especially anti-cholinergics, opioids, benzodiazepines
H eavy metals
PINCH ME
P ain
I nfection
N utrition
C onstipation
H ydration
M edication
E lectrolytes
"The sad tale of Erikson Motors":
The stages in order by age group: Mr. Trust and MsTrust had an auto they were ashame d of. She took the initiative to find the guilt y party. She found the industry was inferior . They were making cars with dents [identity] and roll ing fuse s [role confusion]. Mr. N.T. Macy [intimacy] isolated the problem, General TVT absorbed the cost. In the end, they found the tires were just gritty and the should have used de- spare!
Mental state examination
ASEPTIC:
A ppearance
S peech
E motion (objective/subjective)
P erceptions
T houghts
I nsight
C ognition
Mania: cardinal symptoms
DIG FAST:
D istractibility
I ndiscretion (DSM-IV's "excessive involvement in pleasurable activities")
G randiosity
F light of ideas
A ctivity increase
S leep deficit (decreased need for sleep)
T alkativeness (pressured speech)
Mania: diagnostic criteria
Must have 3 of MANIAC :
M outh (pressure of speech)/ M oodl
A ctivity increased
N aughty (disinhibition)
I nsomnia
A ttention (distractibility)
C onfidence (grandiose ideas)
Parasomnias: time of onset
Sl eep terrors and Sl eepwalking occur during Sl ow-wave sleep (stages 3 & 4).Nightmare occurs during REM sleep (and is rem embered).
Psychiatric review of symptoms
"D epressed p atients s eem a nxious, s o c all p sychiatrists":
D epression and other mood disorders (major depression, bipolar disorder, dysthymia)
P ersonality disorders (primarily borderline personality disorder)
S ubstance abuse disorders
A nxiety disorders (panic disorder with agoraphobia, obsessive-compulsive disorder)
S omatization disorder, eating disorders (these two disorders are combined because both involve disorders of bodily perception)
C ognitive disorders (dementia, delirium)
P sychotic disorders (schizophrenia, delusional disorder and psychosis accompanying depression, substance abuse or dementia)
Schizophrenia: negative features
4 A's:
A mbivalence
A ffective incongruence
A ssociative loosening
A utism
WITHD raw IT :
3 of 7 within 12-month period: W ithdrawal
I nterest or I mportant activities given up or reduced
T olerance
H arm to physical and psychosocial known but continue to use
D esire to cut down, control
I ntended time, amount exceeded
T ime spent too much
Radiology
Chest radiograph: checklist to examine
"P amela f ound o ur r otation p articularly e xciting; v ery h ighly c ommended mainly 'c us s he a rouses":
P atient details
F ilm details
O bjects (e.g. lines, electrodes)
R otation
P enetration
E xpansion
V essels
H ila
C ostophrenic angles
M ediastinum
C ardiothoracic ratio
S oft tissues and bones
A ir (diaphragm, pneumothorax, subcut. emphysema)
Chest X-ray interpretation
Preliminary is ABCDEF :
A P or PA
B ody position
C onfirm name
D ate
E xposure
F ilms for comparison
Analysis is ABCDEF :
A irways (hilar adenopathy or enlargement)
B reast shadows / b ones (rib fractures, lytic bone lesions)
C ardiac silhoutte (cardiac enlargement) / c ostophrenic angles (pleural effusions)
D iaphragm (evidence of free air) / d igestive tract
E dges (apices for fibrosis, pneumothorax, pleural thickening or plaques) / e xtrathoracic tissues
F ields (evidence of alveolar filling) / f ailure (alveolar air space disease with prominent vascularity with or without pleural effusions)
Chest X-ray: cavitating lesions differential
"If you see holes on chest X-ray, they are weird ":
W egener's granulomatosis (now known as granulomatosis with polyangiitis )
E mbolic (pulmonary, septic)
I nfection (anaerobes, pneumocystis, TB)
R heumatoid (necrobiotic nodules)
D evelopmental cysts (sequestration)
H istiocytosis
O ncological
L ymphangioleiomyomatosis
E nvironmental, occupational
S arcoid
Alternatively: L=Left atrial myxoma
CRITOE :
C apitellum
R adial head
I nternal epicondyle
T rochlea
O lecranon
E xternal epicondyle
Head CT scan: evaluation checklist
"B lood c an b e v ery b ad":
B lood
C istern
B rain
V entricles
B one
Neck sagittal x-ray: examination checklist
ABCD :
A nterior: look for swelling
B ones: examine each bone for fractures
C artilage: look for slipped discs
D ark spots: ensure not abnormally big, or could mean excess blood
Osteoarthritis: x-ray signs
LOSS :
L oss of joint space
O steopyhtes
S ubcondral sclerosis
S ubchondral cysts
T2 vs. T1 MRI scan
"WW 2" (World War II):
W ater is w hite in a T2 scan.
Conversely, a T1 scan shows fat as being whiter.
Upper lobe shadowing: causes
BREASTS :
B eryllium
R adiation
E xtrinsic allergic alveolitis
A nkylosing spondylitis
S arcoidosis
T B
S iliconiosis
Respiratory
Airway assessment
LEMON
PIPPA
P ositionI nspectionP alpationP ercussionA uscultation
Asthma management
ASTHMA
A drenergic agonistsS teroidsT heophyllineH ydrationM asked oxygenA nticholinergics[ 25] CAT items: CHEST SEA
To aid memory, think of the chest (or lungs) floating in a sea of yellow sputum, which is commonly seen in COPD.
C oughH ome-leaving confidenceE xercise tolerance (uphill/ 1 flight of stairs)S putum (phlegm/ mucus)T ightness of chestS leepE nergy levelA DL
Croup symptoms
3 S' s:
S tridorS ubglottic swellingS eal-bark cough
Causes of upper zone pulmonary fibrosis
A TEA SHOP
A BPAT BE xtrinsic allergic alveolitisA nkylosing spondylitisS arcoidosisH istiocytosisO ccupational (silicosis, berylliosis)P neumoconiosis (coal-worker's)
Features of a life-threatening asthma attack
A CHEST
A rrhythmia/a ltered conscious levelC yanosis, PaCO2 normalH ypotension, h ypoxia (PaO2<8kPa, SpO2 <92%)E xhaustionS ilent chestT hreatening PEF < 33% best or predicted (in those >5yrs old)
Pulmonary edema: treatment
LMNOP :
L asix
M orphine
N itro
O xygen
P osition/p ositive pressure ventilation[ 27]
Miscellaneous
The following may or may not fit properly into one of the above categories. They are being stored in this section either temporarily or permanently. Categorize them if needed.
Cholinergic crisis
SLUDGE and the Killer B' s:
S alivation
L acrimation
U rination
D iaphoresis, d iarrhea
G astrointestinal cramping
E mesis
B radycardia
B ronchospasm
B ronchorrhea[ 28]
also known as DUMBBELLS
D iarrhea
U rination
M iosis
B radycardia
B ronchospasm
E mesis
L acrimation
L oss of muscle strength
S alivation/sweating
Cheyne-Stokes breathing
Cheyne-Stokes breathing sounds like "chain smokes"
Drugs causing gynaecomastia: DISCO
D igitalisI soniazidS pironolactoneC imetidine / ketoconazoleO estrogen
Drugs for bradycardia and hypotension
I soproterenol
D opamine
E pinephrine
A tropine sulfate[citation needed
Diaphragm innervation
C3, 4, 5 keeps the diaphragm alive[ 29]
Intubation preparation
7 P' s
P reparation
P reoxygenation
P retreatment
P aralysis with induction
P ositioning
P lacement of tube
P ostintubation management[ 30]
Medications that may be administrated by the endotracheal tube
LEAN/NEAL
L idocaine hydrochloride
E pinephrine
A tropine Sulfate
N aloxone hydrochloride[ 31]
Pentad of TTP
FAT RN :
F ever
A nemia
T hrombocytopenia
R enal
N euro changes[ 32]
Systemic lupus erythematosus: diagnostic symptoms
SOAP BRAIN MD
S erositis
O ral ulcers
A rthritis
P hotosensitivity, pulmonary fibrosis
B lood cells
R enal, Raynaud's
A NA
I mmunologic (anti-Sm, anti-dsDNA)
N europsych
M alar rash
D iscoid rash however, not in order of diagnostic importance.
MEDIAN TRAP [ 12]
M yxoedemaE dema (heart failure, OCP, pre-menstrual)D iabetes mellitusI diopathicA cromegalyN eoplasiaT raumaR heumatoid arthritisA myloidosisP regnancyWRIST [ 12]
W ear splint at nightR estI nject steroidsS urgical decompressionT ake diuretics
References
^ Mahadevan; Garmel (2012), An Introduction to Clinical Emergency Medicine , Cambridge University Press, p. 831, ISBN 978-0521747769 ^ APGAR, V (1953). "A proposal for a new method of evaluation of the newborn infant". Current Researches in Anesthesia & Analgesia . 32 (4): 260– 7. doi :10.1213/00000539-195301000-00041 . PMID 13083014 . ^ Griffin, David (July 10, 2019). "Mnemonics" . MedGunner (Expert in Field (Pediatrician)). Retrieved July 10, 2019 . ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o "Anatomy" (PDF) . medicalmnemonics.com. Retrieved 14 February 2015 .^ "EM Basic- Chest Pain" (PDF) . Retrieved 6 July 2024 .^ "Pediatric Brain Care" (PDF) . Oregon Health and Science University. Archived from the original (PDF) on September 17, 2015. Retrieved May 8, 2023 .^ "UMEM Educational Pearls" . University of Maryland School of Medicine. Retrieved 13 May 2015 .^ a b c d e Drug Information Handbook 19th edition 2010-2011
^ "Emergency Medicine Mnemonics" . DoctorsHangout.com. Retrieved 13 May 2015 .^ Mega List of Mnemonics for Nurses & Nursing Students . Examville Study Guides. 2010.^ "Chapter 8: Analgesics.". Fundamentals of pharmacology for paramedics ISBN 978-1-119-72428-5 OCLC 1284288277 . {{cite book }}: CS1 maint: location missing publisher (link ) CS1 maint: others (link )^ a b c Education, Oxford Medical (2015-02-17). "Trauma & Orthopaedics Mnemonics" . Oxford Medical Education . Retrieved 2024-06-15 . ^ Cone, Jennifer; Inaba, Kenji (2017-10-01). "Lower extremity compartment syndrome" . Trauma Surgery & Acute Care Open . 2 (1): e000094. doi :10.1136/tsaco-2017-000094 . ISSN 2397-5776 . PMC 5877908 ^ "Diabetes Complications Mnemonics" . medicosideas.com. Retrieved 28 December 2018 .^ "The Approach To Altered Mental Status" . Archived from the original on 23 May 2015. Retrieved 12 May 2015 .^ Coughlin, Christopher (2012). EMT Emergency Medical Technician Crash Course . Research and Education Association. p. 114. ISBN 978-0-7386-1006-1 ^ NCLEX-RN EXCEL: Test Success through Unfolding Case Study Review ISBN 9780826106018 ^ Andrews LW (1990). "Neurovascular assessment". Adv Clin Care . 5 (6): 5– 7. PMID 2222741 . ^ The Pediatric Emergency Medicine Resource ISBN 9780763744144 ^ Williams, Benjamin R. (5 January 2011). "Orthopaedic Assessment" . OrthopaedicsOne. Retrieved 12 May 2015 . ^ "The 5 Indications for urgent dialysis | Time of Care" . 18 November 2017.^ Le, Tao (2017-12-21). First aid for the USMLE step 1 2018 . Bhushan, Vikas,, Sochat, Matthew,, Kallianos, Kimberly,, Chavda, Yash,, Zureick, Andrew H. (Andrew Harrison), 1991-, Kalani, Mehboob. New York. ISBN 9781260116137 OCLC 1031400352 . {{cite book }}: CS1 maint: location missing publisher (link )^ Ramachandran, Anand (2007). Pharmacology Recall ISBN 9780781755627 . Retrieved 13 May 2015 . ^ "Causes of Delirium | Geri-EM" .^ "ASTHMA" . Archived from the original on 2015-07-13. Retrieved 2015-04-24 .^ "COPD Assessment Test" (PDF) .^ "PULMONARY EDEMA" (PDF) . Retrieved 19 May 2015 .^ Burchum, Jacqueline (2014-12-02). Lehne's Pharmacology for Nursing Car ISBN 9780323340267 ^ Davies SJ (2010). "Am J Forensic Med Pathol . 31 (1): 100– 2. doi :10.1097/PAF.0b013e3181c297e1 . PMID 19935388 . S2CID 10228059 . ^ Cooper, Angus. "Rapid Sequence Intubation - A guide for assistants" (PDF) . Scottish Intensive Care Society Education . NHS - Education for Scotland. Retrieved 31 March 2013 . ^ Raehl, CL. "Endotracheal drug therapy in cardiopulmonary resuscitation" . NIH . NIH - National Library of Medicine. Retrieved 12 March 2024 . ^ Samir Mehta (1 October 2009). Step-Up to USMLE Step 1: A High-Yield, Systems-Based Review for the USMLE Step 1 ISBN 978-1-60547-470-0
Further reading
Shahed Yousaf; Mubeen Chaudhry (2006), Mnemonics for Medical Undergraduates , PasTest, ISBN 1904627889 Khan, Khalid (2008), Mnemonics and Study Tips for Medical Students , CRC Press, ISBN 978-0340957479 Beech, Alan (2013), Science & Math Rhymes 2 Help U , Alan Beech, ISBN 978-0-615-89569-7 Epomedicine Medical Mnemonics
