Nursing Tips
Check out these easy-to-remember nursing tips, tricks and hacks. Includes fun mnemonics that make recall a breeze.
Body System
Subtopic
Topic

Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE)
A patient with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) has some classic findings including fatigue, joint pain, fever, butterfly rash on the face, Raynaud's phenomenon, and a positive ANA titer.
Read More
Orthodox Jewish diet
Orthodox jewish individuals do not eat meat WITH dairy, pork products, or shellfish. A hamburger is OK, but not a cheeseburger!
Read More
Hydatiform Mole
Hydatiform mole is a type of Gestational Trophoblastic Disease. Key S&S include: "Prune juice" discharge; Hyperemesis (severe n/v); Elevated hCG levels
Read More
Auscultation of the vessels of the neck
During auscultation of the vessels of the neck, use the bell of the stethoscope, and ask the patient to hold their breath while you listen.
Read More
Anticholoinergic side effects
Good way to remember anticholinergic side effects: Can't see, can't pee, can't spit, can't s**t.
Read More
Hypospadias and Epispadias
If a child is born with Hypospadias or Epispadias (abnormal placement of the urethral meatus on the penis), circumcision should be delayed, as the foreskin may be needed for reconstructive surgery.
Read More
Cranial Nerve VII (Facial)
The motor function of Cranial Nerve VII (Facial) can be assessed by asking the patient to smile, frown, puff out their cheeks, and raise their eyebrows.
Read More
Calculating Due Date
How to calculate a pregnant patient's due date: Add 9 months PLUS 1 week from the first day of their last menstrual period.
Read More
Phases of Helping Relationships
Phases of a helping (therapeutic) relationship with a patient include Orientation, Working, and Termination.
Read More
Addison's Disease
A patient with Addison's Disease (a form of adrenocortical insufficiency) will have increased potassium, calcium, and BUN, but decreased cortisol, sodium, and glucose.
Read More
Sulfonylureas
Glipizide and glyburide are Sulfonylureas used to treat type 2 Diabetes.
HINT: Think of riding down a slide, as your blood sugar comes down with this medication. Key side effect = hypoglycemia.
Read MoreHINT: Think of riding down a slide, as your blood sugar comes down with this medication. Key side effect = hypoglycemia.

Closed-Ended Questions
Closed-ended questions (i.e., yes/no questions) should be avoided because they do not encourage the patient to elaborate on their feelings.
Read More
Odd Man Out
If there are three answers that have a lot in common, but one answer is unique, it may be the correct answer!
Read More
Corrections to Documentation
If the nurse should make an error while documenting on a written error, cross out the error with one line and add initials, date, and time. Do not use correction tape/fluid.
Read More
Cranial Nerve XI (Spinal Accessory)
Cranial Nerve XI (Spinal Accessory) controls the sternocleidomastoid and trapezius muscles.
Read More
Sodium Disturbances
A patient with sodium disturbances may experience changes in their CNS.
Read More
Autonomic Dysreflexia
A patient with a spinal cord injury is at risk for experiencing life-threatening hypertension known as autonomic dysreflexia.
Read More
Family Systems Theory
Family systems theory states that the family is an interdependent unit. Any change or stressor experienced by one family member affects the entire family.
Read More
Gag Reflex
The gag reflex is controlled by Cranial Nerve IX (Glossopharyngeal) and X (Vagus). It can be assessed by briefly touching the posterior pharyngeal wall with a tongue blade.
Read More
Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome
For Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome a surgery in three stages is required: First the Norwood procedure, then the Glenn Shunt, and finally the Fontan procedure.
Read More
Major Depressive Disorder Phases
Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) has 3 phases: Acute, Continuation, Maintenance. Patient is at greatest risk for suicide during the Acute phase of MDD.
Read More
Fundal Assessment
Fundal assessment is part of the routine postpartum assessment. If the fundus is displaced laterally, have the patient empty their bladder!
Read More
OTs and ADLs
An Occupational Therapist (OT) is a key member of the interprofessional team. They help patients regain their ability to perform their ADLs (Activities of Daily Living). Examples of ADLs: brushing teeth, getting dressed, using the bathroom.
Read More
Test taking: Opposite answers
If you see two answers that are the exact opposite of one another, it is likely that one of those is the correct answer.
Read More
Taking Blood Pressure
Blood pressure may be taken in either arm except when the patient has an IV infusion running, or has had a mastectomy, PICC line, or AV fistula.
Read More
Proton Pump Inhibitors: Patient Teaching
Educate patients taking proton pump inhibitors (e.g., omeprazole, pantoprazole) to report watery diarrhea, as these medications can cause C. diff by decreasing stomach acid production.
Read More
Dehydration in Older Adults
As a patient ages, their thirst mechanism decreases. This puts the older adult at increased risk for dehydration.
Read More
Cranial Nerve Assessment: III, IV, and VI
Cranial Nerve III (Oculomotor), IV (Trochlear), and VI (Abducens) can be assessed using the corneal light reflex, the cover test, and/or the six cardinal positions of gaze.
Read More
VEAL CHOP
To understand the cause of different fetal heart rate patterns, remember VEAL CHOP.
Variable decelerations -> Cord compression.
Early deceleration -> Head compression.
Accelerations -> OK.
Late decelerations -> Placental Insufficiency.

Failure to Thrive (FTT)
Failure to Thrive (FTT) is indicated by a child's weight being less than the fifth percentile. Assess for both organic causes and parental bonding/care of the child.
Read More
Central Venous Catheter (CVC)
A patient with a Central Venous Catheter (CVC) should have the dressing changed 24 hours after insertion and weekly thereafter (or per facility policy) using sterile technique.
Read More
Caring for a restrained patient
When caring for a restrained patient, a new order is required every 24 hours.
Read More
Unlicensed Assistive Personnel (UAPs)
Unlicensed Assistive Personnel (UAPs) may perform hygiene, bathing, CPR, patient ambulation, routine vital signs, and charting of I&Os.
Read More
Nationally Notifiable Diseases
Some important nationally notifiable diseases include anthrax, botulism, chlamydia, gonorrhea, Lyme disease, meningococcal disease, pertussis, syphilis, and tuberculosis.
Read More
Ethics Committee
An ethics committee is an interdisciplinary team that may be used to provide guidance in the face of an ethical dilemma.
Read More
Scurvy
Vitamin C deficiency is known as scurvy, and it causes swollen/bleeding gums, tooth loss, and poor wound healing.
Read More
Occupational Health Nurse
An occupational health nurse provides screening, surveillance, and education to prevent workplace illness and injury.
Read More
Acute Kidney Injury (AKI) : Oliguric Phase
The oliguric phase of acute kidney injury (AKI) is marked by urine output less than 400 mL/day. In the diuresis phase of AKI, urine output can reach 4 - 5 L/day.
Read More
Tonic-clonic Seizure
After a tonic-clonic seizure, a patient enters the "postictal phase," and may exhibit confusion, sleepiness, or agitation.
Read More
Seizure Precautions
If a patient is on seizure precautions, pad the bed side rails, and ensure oxygen, suction, and vital signs equipment is in the patient's room.
Read More
Alzheimer's Disease Key Interventions
Key nursing interventions for Alzheimer's Disease: Provide frequent reorientation, consistency with caretakers; Keep communication short, simple, and clear.
Read MoreSHOP
Videos by Subject
Subscribe
Sign up to get the latest on sales, new releases and more …