Remember the following mnemonic to state the signs of organophosphate poisoning.
"DUMB BELLS"
D: Diarrhoea
U: Urination
M: Miosis
B: Bradycardia
B: Bronchorrhea
E: Emnesis
L: Lacrymation
S: Salivation
Signs of organophosphate poisoning.
Tag: diagnosis
Mnemonic for Tetrology of Fallot
Remember the following mnemonic to state the features of Tetrology of Fallot.
Don't "DROP" the baby.
D: Defect (VSD)
R: Right ventricular hypertrophy
O: Overriding aorta
P: Pulmonary stenosis
Marfan syndrome
Remember the systemic features of Marfan syndrome with the mnemonic “MARFAN.”
M: Mitral prolapse
A: Aortic dissection
R: Regurgitating Aortic valve
F: Fingers long
A: Arm span
S: Sternal excavation
Mnemonics for causes of seizures.
Just remember the mnemonic “VITAMIN” to state the causes of seizures.
V: Vascular (stroke)
I: Infections
T: Trauma
A: AV Malformation
M: Metabolic
I: Idiopathic
N: Neoplasm
Acidosis vs Alkalosis
Normal values:
- pH: 7.35 – 7.45
- PaCO2: 35 – 45
- HCO3: 22 – 26
Acidosis: pH < 7.35
Alkalosis: pH > 7.45
Respiratory acidosis:
- Findings: Low pH, high PaCO2
- Causes: Sedative overdose, hypoventilation, atelectasis.
- Pathophysiology: CO2 retention from hypoventilation.
- Compensation: HCO3 retention by kidneys.
Respiratory alkalosis:
- Findings: High pH, low PaCO2
- Causes: Hyperventilation.
- Pathophysiology: Increased CO2 excretion from hyperventilation.
- Compensation: HCO3 excretion by kidneys.
Metabolic acidosis:
- Findings: Low pH, high HCO3
- Causes: DKA, renal failure, severe diarrhea
- Pathophysiology: Inability to excrete acid or loss of base
- Compensation: CO2 excretion by lungs.
Metabolic alkalosis:
- Findings: High pH, high HCO3
- Causes: Severe vomiting, gastric suctioning, high NAHCO3 intake.
- Pathophysiology: Loss of strong acid or gain of base
- Compensation: CO2 retention by lungs.
Nursing diagnosis
Types of nursing diagnosis:
- Problem focused: Ineffective breathing pattern.
- Risk: Risk for infection.
- Health promotion: Readiness for enhanced family coping.
- Syndrome: Chronic pain syndrome.
Writing diagnostic statements:
- One part: Readiness for enhanced breastfeeding.
- Two part: Risk for infection related to compromised host defenses.
- Three part: Impaired physical mobility related to decreased muscle control as evidenced by inability to control lower limbs.
Nurses corner 