Medical Mnemonics

A collection of mnemonics to help remember important medical information.

Anatomy

Cranial Nerves

"On Occasion, Our Trusty Truck Acts Funny, Very Good Vehicle AnyHow."

Olfactory, Optic, Oculomotor, Trochlear, Trigeminal, Abducens, Facial, Vestibulocochlear, Glossopharyngeal, Vagus, Accessory, Hypoglossal

Brain Anatomy

Layers of the Scalp

"SCALP"

Skin, Connective tissue (dense), Aponeurosis, Loose areolar tissue, Pericranium

Bones of the Wrist

"So Long To Pinky, Here Comes The Thumb"

Scaphoid, Lunate, Triquetrum, Pisiform, Hamate, Capitate, Trapezoid, Trapezium

X-ray of a hand

Branches of the Facial Nerve

"To Zanzibar By Motor Car"

Temporal, Zygomatic, Buccal, Mandibular, Cervical

Femoral Triangle

"NAVEL"

Nerve, Artery, Vein, Empty space, Lymphatics

Clinical Assessment

Stroke Symptoms

"BE-FAST"

Balance, Eyes, Face, Arms, Speech, Time

Ambulance

Causes of Altered Mental Status

"AEIOU-TIPS"

Alcohol, Electrolytes/Epilepsy, Insulin, Opiates, Uremia, Trauma, Infection, Psychiatric, Stroke/Seizure

Newborn Assessment

"APGAR"

Appearance, Pulse, Grimace, Activity, Respiration

Baby

Patient History

"SAMPLE"

Signs/Symptoms, Allergies, Medications, Past medical history, Last oral intake, Events leading up to present illness.

Compartment Syndrome

"The 6 P's"

Pain, Pressure, Paresthesia, Paralysis, Pulselessness, and Pallor

Pharmacology

Beta Blockers

"The -olol's"

Metoprolol, Atenolol, Propranolol, etc. Used for hypertension, angina, and arrhythmias.

Heart

ACE Inhibitors

"The -prils"

Lisinopril, Enalapril, etc. Used for hypertension and heart failure.

Benzodiazepines

"The -pams and -lams"

Diazepam, Lorazepam, Alprazolam, etc. Used for anxiety, seizures, and insomnia.

AV Node Blocking Agents

"ABCD"

Adenosine, Beta-blockers, Calcium channel blockers, and Digoxin

Diseases and Conditions

Causes of Pancreatitis

"I GET SMASHED"

Idiopathic, Gallstones, Ethanol, Trauma, Steroids, Mumps, Autoimmune, Scorpion sting, Hypercalcemia/hypertriglyceridemia, ERCP, Drugs

Symptoms of Depression

"SIG E CAPS"

Sleep, Interest, Guilt, Energy, Concentration, Appetite, Psychomotor, Suicidal

Anion Gap Metabolic Acidosis

"MUDPILES"

Methanol, Uremia, Diabetic ketoacidosis, Propylene glycol, Iron/Isoniazid, Lactic acidosis, Ethylene glycol, Salicylates

Causes of Hyperkalemia

"MACHINE"

Medications (ACEi, ARBs), Acidosis, Cellular destruction (rhabdo, burns), Hypoaldosteronism, Intake (excessive), Nephrons (renal failure), Excretion (impaired)