Nurses Notes: Nursing Assessment Mnemonics

ORGAN SYSTEMS

The human body is made up of several organ systems that all work together as a unit to make sure the body keeps functioning. There are ten major organ systems in the body, each of which plays a different role in helping the body work.

AILMENTS

If you've got a rash or a persistent cough, you can call that an ailment. Some other common ailments are allergies or chronic headaches. They can be a real pain. Literally.

LINIMENTS AND OILS

Liniments and oils have been in existence for thousands of years. They run from your basic feel good muscle rub to penetrating, target-specific formulas. A liniment is an alcohol-based formula, one in which herbs have been soaked in alcohol for an extended period of time. An oil is created in a similar manner, but no alcohol is used. Liniments absorb more quickly and generally have better penetration than oils.

5 AREAS FOR LISTENING TO THE HEART

There are five important areas used for listening to heart sounds. These are: Aortic area, Pulmonic area, Tricuspid area, Mitral Area (Apex), ERB's point.

TOOLS ON PHYSICAL ASSESSMENT

Observe the overall appearance of the child: alert, orientated, active/hyperactive/drowsy, irritable. Colour(centrally and peripherally): pink, flushed, pale, mottled, cyanosed , clubbing Respiratory rate, rhythm and depth (shallow, normal or deep) Respiratory effort (Work of Breathing WOB): mild, moderate, severe, inspiratory: expiratory ratio, shortness of breath.

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Sunday, January 11, 2015

Pain Assessment Mnemonics

PAIN ASSESSMENT

SOCRATES is a mnemonic acronym used by emergency medical services, doctors, nurses and other health professionals to evaluate the nature of pain that a patient is experiencing.

The acronym is used to gain an insight into the patient's condition, and to allow the Health Care Provider to develop a plan for dealing with it.
    *Site - Where is the pain? Or the maximal site of the pain.
    *Onset - When did the pain start, and was it sudden or gradual? Include also whether if it is progressive or regressive.
   *Character - What is the pain like? An ache? Stabbing?
   * Radiation - Does the pain radiate anywhere? (See also Radiation.)
    *Associations - Any other signs or symptoms associated with the pain?
    *Time course - Does the pain follow any pattern?
    *Exacerbating/Relieving factors - Does anything change the pain?
    *Severity - How bad is the pain?