25 psychiatric nursing mnemonics and tricks | nursebuff

7/24/2019 25 Psychiatric Nursing Mnemonics and Tricks | NurseBuff

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25 PSYCHIATRIC NURSING MNEMONICS AND TRICKS

Psychiatric Nursing is one of the most challenging nursing subspecialties.

Psychiatric nurses care for the patients physical wellness and their mental well-

being.

Also Read: 50 Mnemonics and Tricks Every Nurse Should Know

There are many mental health problems nowadays and you might find it difficultto memorize the things you need to keep in mind for this subspecialty. To help

you understand psychiatric nursing in an easy way, here are some of the most

awesome mnemonics and tricks that you should know now.

1. Types of Anti-depressants and Common

Side-Effects.

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In general, there are five types of anti-depressant, each of which has theirrespective side-effects. You should watch out for these side-effects as most

psychiatric patients take these drugs for long periods of time.

2. SSRIs.

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Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors or SSRIs are commonly used for the

treatment of anxiety disorders, depression and some forms of personality

disorders. The mnemonic above presents the things you should remember when

giving SSRIs to psychiatric patients.

3. Actions of Antidepressants.


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With the help of this diagram, you can easily understand how antidepressants

work. The antidepressants mechanism of action features different stages of

nerve absorption as featured in the above image.

4. Color of Drugs.


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With this diagram, you can understand the psychological effects of different

chemical neurotransmitters or hormones namely dopamine, serotonin, oxytocin,

noradrenaline and adrenaline.

5. Psychiatric Drug Diagram.


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There are four main psychiatric drugs used nowadays stimulants,

antipsychotics, depressants and hallucinogens. Because there are lots of drugs

being developed in these four main psychiatric drug categories, this diagram

will help you understand the action of these drugs. It is a helpful study aid if

you are just starting in psychiatric nursing.

6. Psychiatric Assessment.

Patient assessment is one of the most challenging aspects of psychiatric

nursing. The things you need to assess in a psychiatric patient can be easily

remembered with the mnemonic Always Send Mail Through the Post Office

Appearance, Speech, Memory or Mood, Thoughts, Perception and Orientation.

Also Read: 50 Nursing Mnemonics and Acronyms You Need to Know

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7. Stress Reduction Methods.

Are you having a hard time in easing down your stressed patient? Here are

some of the tricks you can use in reducing patients stress. You can advise

doing different activities such as meditating, breathing exercises, regular

exercise and many more.

8. Psychobehavior Role of a Nurse.


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There are 3 Rs in the psychobehavior role of a nurse recognition, relationship

and resources or referral. Applying these 3 Rs in the hospital setting is

important especially when counseling patients and their relatives.

9. Suicide Precautions.


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This mnemonic is helpful when caring for patients with suicidal tendencies. It is

important to remember the things that should not be available within reach of a

suicidal patient.

10. Sundowning Syndrome.


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Sundowning syndrome is composed of different behavioral problems that

change in different parts of the day. It is easy to remember these signs and

symptoms as behavior tends to change as the day progresses. Sundowning

syndrome is commonly associated with dementia and Alzheimers disease.

11. Bulimia.


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Bulimia is an eating disorder characterized by binge-eating followed by

inducement of vomiting. The signs and symptoms of this eating disorder are

presented above so you can remember it easily.

12. Anorexia Nervosa.


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The opposite of bulimia, anorexia nervosa is another eating disorder in which

the patient refuses to eat anything at all. Just like in bulimia, an anorexic

patient views herself as a very fat person when in fact she is actually too thin

for her body built.

13. Dementia.


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When caring for patients with dementia, you need to ensure that the above

problems are not present so you can prevent complications. It is usually part of

the supportive care utilized for dementia patients.

14. Alzheimers Disease.


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The diagnosis of Alzheimers Diseasecommon among elderly patientsis keyed

by 5 As anomia, apraxia, agnosia, amnesia and aphasia. The symptoms may

appear one after the other but the earliest symptom known to Alzheimers

disease patients is the inability to remember names or anomia.

15. Schizophrenia.


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Schizophrenia is a mental disorder where the patient lives in his own unreal

world. Other symptoms include auditory hallucinations, false beliefs, confused

thinking and inactivity.

16. Psychiatric Nursing Map.

The above mnemonic is a compilation of the psychiatric assessment points that

you should remember. From normal behavior and anxiety to schizophrenia and

mania, you can find this chart helpful during reviews and psychiatric

assessments.


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17. Effects of Psychotropic Medications on

Neurotransmitters.

Here is a short table of SSRIs and tricyclic antidepressants. Through this table,you can compare the two drug classifications in terms of action on

neurotransmitters, physiological effects and side effects.

Also Read: Laboratory Values and Interpretation A Nurses Ultimate

Guide

18. Bipolar Disorder.

The bipolar disorder is characterized by episodes of manic and depressive


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attacks. These contrasting symptoms may happen anytime without warning.

The above mnemonic features the signs and symptoms for each attack.

19. Manic Attack.

The manic attack is present in a variety of mental disorders particularly the

bipolar disorder. It is characterized by agility, abnormally excited and irritable

mood and grandiosity.

20. Child Abuse.


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Whenever you suspect child abuse, you should watch out for the above signs

and symptoms. The child victim as well as the parents and relatives of the child

should undergo counseling. In most cases, authorities intervene in the care of

the child abused so future abuses will be avoided.

21. Cocaine Users/Abusers.


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Cocaine or crack users and abusers usually present a unique set of signs and

symptoms. Persons being suspected for this kind of drug abuse should be

evaluated for the above-listed signs and symptoms.

22. Language of the Eyes.


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Are you suspecting your patient for drug or substance abuse? Here is a chart

featuring the different eye presentations of drug/substance abusers. It is helpful

in assessment but diagnosis should be supported by other observed signs and

symptoms as well as laboratory examinations.

23. Alcohol Detox Protocol.


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Here is a flow of care needed for patients being treated for alcohol intoxication.

Usually, a patient intoxicated with alcohol needs 3 drugs magnesium,

multivitamin and thiamine injections. Knowing when to administer these drugs

as ordered by the doctor is essential in responding quickly during emergency

situations.

24. 7 Stages of Grief.


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Emotional support is a critical part of care among psychiatric patients. Here is a

diagram featuring the important points to remember when dealing with patients

undergoing the seven stages of grief.

25. Between Minds.

Here is an easy-to-remember diagram about the functions and characteristics of

each side of the brain. This is a must-know if you are in the fields of personal

development, coaching and psychiatric care.

About the Author:Je Abarra is a nurse by profession and a freelance writer by passion.

She is working as a staff nurse in the pediatric ward of a private city hospital for more

than two years. During her free time, she usually writes about her fascinations in health

and nursing. She loves to provide tips and fun facts about nursing and healthy living.

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6 Comments Sort by

Angelique Anne MirandaAteneo de Zamboanga University

Ward 9 feels!

Like Reply Dec 12, 2014 8:48am

Sandi Schanaberger HuckerNeonatal Special Care/Neonatal Intensive Care Registered Nurse at Vista

Medical Center East

helpful

Like Reply Nov 24, 2014 11:34pm

Sandi Schanaberger HuckerNeonatal Special Care/Neonatal Intensive Care Registered Nurse at Vista

Medical Center East

helpful


. at Palestinian Ministry of Health

very good


Kelly PetitLCSW at Billings Clinic

Thanks!

Like Reply Sep 15, 2014 6:02pm

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25 psychiatric nursing mnemonics and tricks | nursebuff

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