Pharmacology Nursing Mnemonics & Tips

Pharmacology is a challenging area for nurses due to the vast amount of drug information. This guide provides mnemonics to simplify pharmacological concepts.

1. Lidocaine Toxicity: SAMS

• Lidocaine is a class IB antiarrhythmic used post-myocardial infarction.
• Therapeutic range: 1.5-5.0 mcg/mL; toxicity occurs >5 mcg/mL.
• SAMS Mnemonic:
  • S: Slurred speech
  • A: Altered CNS
  • M: Muscle twitching
  • S: Seizures

2. Medication Administration Checklist: TRAMP

• Ensures correct medication dispensing to prevent errors.
• TRAMP Mnemonic:
  • T: Time
  • R: Route
  • A: Amount
  • M: Medication
  • P: Patient

3. Serious Complications of Oral Birth Control Pills: SEA CASH

• Indicates when to seek emergency medical help.
• SEA CASH Mnemonic:
  • S: Severe leg pain
  • E: Eye problems
  • A: Abdominal pain
  • C: Chest pain
  • A: Acne
  • S: Swelling of ankles and feet
  • H: Headaches

4. Emergency Drugs to LEAN on

• Common drugs for emergencies in EDs and ICUs.
• LEAN Mnemonic:
  • L: Lidocaine
  • E: Epinephrine
  • A: Atropine Sulfate
  • N: Narcan

5. Drugs for Bradycardia & Hypotension: IDEA

• IDEA Mnemonic:
  • I: Isoproterenol
  • D: Dopamine
  • E: Epinephrine
  • A: Atropine Sulfate

6. Thiazides Indications: CHIC

• Commonly used oral diuretics for hypertension and CHF.
• CHIC Mnemonic:
  • C: Congestive Heart Failure
  • H: Hypertension
  • I: Insipidus
  • C: Calcium calculi

7. Parkinson's Medications: ALBM

• ALBM Mnemonic:
  • A: Amantadine
  • L: Levodopa
  • B: Bromocriptine
  • M: MAO Inhibitors

8. Morphine Side Effects: MORPHINE

• MORPHINE Mnemonic:
  • M: Myosis
  • O: Out of it (sedation)
  • R: Respiratory depression
  • P: Pneumonia
  • H: Hypotension
  • I: Infrequency (constipation, urinary retention)
  • N: Nausea
  • E: Emesis

9. Atrial Arrhythmias: ABCDE

• Treatment includes medications and procedures to restore heart rhythm.
• ABCDE Mnemonic:
  • A: Anticoagulants
  • B: Beta blockers
  • C: Calcium Channel Blockers
  • D: Digoxin
  • E: Electrocardioversion

10. Ventricular Arrhythmias: PALS

• PALS Mnemonic:
  • P: Procainamide
  • A: Amiodarone
  • L: Lidocaine
  • S: Sotalol

Recommended Resources

• A list of pharmacology resources and books for further study.

See Also

• Links to additional study guides and nursing pharmacology resources.