VITAMINS ABCDEK mnemonic: Easy way to Create a Differential Diagnosis

MNEMONICS

Organizing principle for differential diagnoses based on etiology: Vascular – diseases caused by “vessel” (bleed or blocked) or anything related to hematology. Infectious / Inflammatory Traumatic / Toxic Autoimmune or allergy Metabolic Iatrogenic /...

Differential Diagnosis of Delirium – DELIRIUMS mnemonic 

MNEMONICS

The differential diagnosis of Delirium using the DELIRIUMS mnemonic Common etiologies of delirium: Remember: delirium usually has more than one cause D Drug effect or withdrawal: benzos, narcotics, EtOH, SSRI, anticholinergics, Digoxin, antihistamines, muscle/bladder...

Weight loss Mnemonic: MEALS ON WHEELS

MNEMONICS

Causes of weight loss in older adults – MEALS ON WHEELS Medications (eg, digoxin, theophylline, SSRIs, antibiotics) Emotional (eg, depression, anxiety) Alcoholism, older adult abuse Late life paranoia or bereavement Swallowing problems Oral factors (tooth loss,...

Definition and classification of syncope and presyncope

CARDIOLOGY, MNEMONICS

Definition of Syncope and Presyncope Syncope is a sudden, brief, complete loss of consciousness (LOC) and postural tone caused by global cerebral hypoperfusion. It is followed by spontaneous recovery.  The decreased perfusion to the cerebral cortex or reticular...

PIRATES Mnemonic for causes of new onset atrial fibrillation

MNEMONICS

P.I.R.A.T.E.S Mnemonic for new-onset atrial fibrillation Pulmonary causes (OSA, PE, COPD, pneumonia) Ischemia/Infarction/CAD Rheumatic heart disease and Mitral Regurgitation (abnormal heart valve) Alcohol / Anemia  (high output failure) Thyrotoxicosis / Toxins,...

Atrial Fibrillation (AF): Pharmacologic Cardioversion

MNEMONICS, Pharmacy and Therapeutics

F- DIP or Amiodarone Medications used for pharmacologic cardioversion of AF include: Class I – There is evidence and/or general agreement that the following drugs are effective for cardioversion of AF Flecainide Dofetilide. Ibutilide. Propafenone. Class IIa...