Fluid and Electrolytes Easy
Memorization Tricks for Nursing NCLEX
100% Correct
What is a common mnemonic to remember the signs of hypokalemia?
✔✔ "A SIC WALT" (Alkalosis, Shallow respiration, Irritability, Confusion, Weakness,
Arrhythmias, Lethargy, Thready pulse)
A nurse is reviewing a patient’s lab values and notices hypernatremia. Which mnemonic could
help remember its signs?
✔✔ "FRIED" (Fever, Restlessness, Increased fluid retention, Edema, Decreased urine output)
What is a good mnemonic to remember the complications of hyperkalemia?
✔✔ "MURDER" (Muscle weakness, Urine output low, Respiratory failure, Decreased cardiac
contractility, ECG changes, Reflexes hyperactive)
How can a nurse easily remember the effects of hyponatremia?
✔✔ "SALT LOSS" (Stupor/coma, Anorexia, Lethargy, Tachycardia, Loss of urine, Orthostatic
hypotension, Seizures, Stomach cramps)
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,Which mnemonic can help remember the signs of hypercalcemia?
✔✔ "STONES, BONES, GROANS, THRONES, AND PSYCHIC OVERTONES" (Kidney
stones, Bone pain, Abdominal pain, Polyuria, Psychiatric symptoms)
To recall the functions of potassium, which mnemonic is useful?
✔✔ "PUMP" (Potassium maintains cellular membrane potential, Upset heart rhythm, Muscle
contractions, Protects against kidney stone formation)
What is an easy trick for remembering the symptoms of hypomagnesemia?
✔✔ "Twitching, Tremors, Tetany" (Low magnesium can cause muscle irritability)
For hypermagnesemia, what mnemonic is helpful?
✔✔ "LETHARGY" (Lethargy, ECG changes, Tendon reflexes decreased, Hypotension,
Arrhythmias, Respiratory depression, Gastrointestinal issues, Yawning)
How can you remember the priority intervention for a sodium imbalance?
✔✔ "SALT" (Safety first, Assess neuro status, Limit water intake, Treat underlying cause)
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,What is the best way to remember the causes of fluid volume deficit?
✔✔ "DIE" (Dehydration, Inadequate intake, Excessive loss)
What mnemonic can help recall fluid volume excess causes?
✔✔ "CIRCULATORY" (CHF, Increased sodium, Renal failure, Cirrhosis, Overload of fluids,
Lung disease, Endocrine disorders, Rebound from diuretics, Output decreased, Yields extra
fluid)
Which mnemonic helps remember the management of hypokalemia?
✔✔ "POTASSIUM" (Provide potassium, Observe ECG changes, Titrate slowly, Assess renal
function, Salt substitute caution, Supplement potassium, Increase potassium-rich foods, Use
appropriate infusion rates, Monitor urine output)
To recall the treatment for hyperkalemia, which mnemonic works best?
✔✔ "C BIG K" (Calcium gluconate, Bicarbonate, Insulin, Glucose, Kayexalate)
What is a quick way to remember the fluid shifts during hypernatremia?
✔✔ "SHRIVEL" (Sodium high, Hyperactive reflexes, Restlessness, Increased thirst, Volume
loss, Edema)
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, For hypocalcemia, what mnemonic helps to remember symptoms?
✔✔ "CATS" (Convulsions, Arrhythmias, Tetany, Spasms)
To remember the relationship between pH and potassium changes, you can use which trick?
✔✔ "Acidosis = hyperkalemia, Alkalosis = hypokalemia"
What is a good way to memorize the primary treatment for fluid volume excess?
✔✔ "REDUCE" (Restrict sodium, Encourage diuretics, Decrease fluid intake, Use oxygen as
needed, Check vital signs frequently, Elevate legs)
For respiratory acidosis, which mnemonic is useful to remember its causes?
✔✔ "DEPRESS" (Drugs, Emphysema, Pneumonia, Respiratory failure, Embolism, Spinal cord
injury, Sacular damage)
What’s a good mnemonic for the complications of dehydration?
✔✔ "DEHYDRATE" (Dizziness, Extreme thirst, Hypotension, Yellow urine, Decreased urine
output, Rapid heart rate, Altered mental status, Tiredness, Electrolyte imbalances)
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