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Cardiovascular Care Nursing Mnemonics and Tips

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By Matt Vera BSN, R.N.

The cardiovascular system is so vital that its activity defines the presence of life. The cardiovascular system begins its activity when the fetus is barely a month old and is the last body system to cease activity at the end of life.

More than 80 million Americans have one or more types of cardiovascular disease which include hypertension, coronary artery disease, heart failure, and other congenital cardiovascular defects. Because of the prevalence of cardiovascular diseases, nurses practicing in any setting should have a clear understanding of various conditions affecting the cardiovascular care.

To help you grasp the core concepts of Cardiovascular Care Nursing (or Cardiac Care Nursing), here are our visual nursing mnemonics and tips!

1. Heart Blocks: β€œThe Heart Block Poem”

Heart blocks are abnormal heart rhythm where the heart beats too slowly. In this condition, the electrical signals that tell that heart to contract are partially or totally blocked between the upper chambers (atria) and lower chambers (ventricles).

1. Heart Blocks: β€œThe Heart Block Poem”

2. Right-Sided Heart Failure Manifestations: β€œAW HEAD”

When the right ventricle fails in right-sided heart failure, congestion in the peripheral tissues and the viscera predominates. This occurs because the right side of the heart cannot eject blood and cannot accommodate all the blood that normally returns to it from the venous circulation. Right-sided heart failure primarily produces systemic signs and symptoms.

  • A: Anorexia and nausea
    Results from the venous engorgement and venous stasis within the abdominal organs.
  • W: Weight gain
    Due to retention of fluid.
  • H: Hepatomegaly
    Results from the venous engorgement of the liver; increased pressure may interfere with the liver’s ability to function.
  • E: Edema (Bipedal)
    Edema usually affects the feet and ankles and worsens when the patient stands or sits for a long period.
  • A: Ascites
    Is the accumulation of fluid in the peritoneal cavity; increased pressure within the portal vessels forces fluid into the abdominal cavity.
  • D: Distended neck vein
    Increased venous pressure leads to distended neck veins.
Right-Sided Heart Failure Manifestations: β€œAW HEAD”

3. Left-Sided Heart Failure: β€œDO CHAP”

Pulmonary congestion usually occurs in left-sided heart failure; when the left ventricle cannot effectively pump blood out of the ventricle into the aorta and to the systemic circulation. Blood volume and pressure in the left atrium increases which decreases blood flow from the pulmonary vessels. Pulmonary venous blood volume and pressure increase, forcing fluid from the pulmonary capillaries into the pulmonary tissues and alveoli, causing pulmonary interstitial edema and impaired gas exchange.

  • D: Dyspnea
    May be precipitated by minimal to moderate activity; also occurs during rest.
  • O: Orthopnea
    Dyspnea that develops in the recumbent position and is relieved with elevation of the head with pillows.
  • C: Cough
    Cough is initially dry and nonproductive. Large volume of frothy sputum, which is sometimes pink, may be produced, usually indicating severe pulmonary congestion.
  • H: Hemoptysis
    Pink or blood-tinged sputum may be produced.
  • A: Adventitious breath sounds
    May be heard in various areas of the lungs; as failure worsen, pulmonary congestion increases and crackles may be auscultated throughout the lung fields.
  • P: Pulmonary congestion (crackles/rales)
    Sustained high pressure in the pulmonary veins eventually forces some fluid from the blood into the surrounding microscopic air sacs (alveoli), which transfer oxygen to the bloodstream.
Left-Sided Heart Failure: β€œDO CHAP”

4. Management of Heart Failure: β€œDAD BOND CLASH”

Management of HF are to relieve patient symptoms, to improve functional status and quality of life, and to extend survival. Medical management depends on the type, severity, and cause of HF — it can include reducing the workload of the heart by reducing preload and afterload; elimination of contributing factors such as hypertension. Remember the mnemonic β€œDAD BOND CLASH” for the medical management of heart failure.

  • D: Digitalis
    Increases the force of myocardial contraction and slows conduction through the atrioventricular node; improves contractility, increasing left ventricular output, and enhances diuresis.
  • A: ACE Inhibitors
    Promotes vasodilation and diuresis by decreasing afterload and preload, ultimately decreasing the workload of the heart.
  • D: Dobutamine
    IV medication administered to patients with significant left ventricular dysfunction and hypoperfusion; stimulates the beta-1-adrenergic receptors.
  • B: Beta-blockers
    Reduces mortality and morbidity in HF by reducing the adverse effects from constant stimulation of the sympathetic nervous system.
  • O: Oxygen
    Oxygen may be necessary as HF progresses; need is based on the degree of pulmonary congestion and resulting hypoxia.
  • N: Nitrates
    Causes venous dilation, which reduces the amount of blood return to the heart and lowers preload.
  • D: Diuretics
    To remove excess extracellular fluid by increasing the rate of urine produced in patients with fluid overload.
  • C: Calcium Channel Blockers
    Causes vasodilation, reducing systemic vascular resistance.
  • L: Lifestyle Changes
    Restriction of dietary sodium, avoidance of excess fluid intake, weight reduction, and regular exercise.
  • A: Angiotensin II Receptor Blockers
    ARBs block the effects of angiotensin II at its receptor; have similar hemodynamic effects as of ACE inhibitors. Serves as alternative for for patients who cannot tolerate ACE inhibitors.
  • S: Sodium restriction
    A low-sodium diet (2 to 3 g/day) diet and avoidance of drinking excess amounts of fluid is recommended.
  • H: Hydralazine
    Lowers systemic vascular resistance and left ventricular afterload.
Management of Heart Failure: β€œDAD BOND CLASH”

5. Hypertension Complications β€œ5 C’s of Hypertension Complications”

The excessive pressure on the artery walls caused by hypertension or high blood pressure can damage the blood vessels, as well as organs in the body. The higher the blood pressure and the longer it goes uncontrolled, the greater the damage. With time, hypertension increases the risk of heart disease, kidney disease, and stroke.

  • C: Coronary Artery Disease
    Can lead to narrowing of blood vessels making them more likely to block from blood clots or fat breaking off from the lining of the blood vessel wall; also weakens the walls.
  • C: Chronic Renal Failure
    Constant high blood pressure can damage small blood vessels in the kidneys making it not to function properly.
  • C: Congestive Heart Failure
    Pumping blood against the higher pressure in the vessels causes the heart muscles to thicken. Eventually, the heart muscles may have a hard time pumping enough blood to meet the physiologic needs of the body leading to heart failure.
  • C: Cardiac Arrest
    High blood pressure can cause CAD, damaged arteries cannot deliver enough oxygen to other parts of the body eventually leading to heart attack.
  • C: Cerebrovascular Accident
    Hypertension leads to atherosclerosis and hardening of the large arteries. This, in turn, can lead to blockage of small blood vessels in the brain. It can also weaken the blood vessels in the brain causing them to balloon and burst.
Hypertension Complications β€œ5 C’s of Hypertension Complications”

6. Immediate Treatment of a Myocardial Infarction Client β€œMONA TASS”

MONA is a mnemonic that stands for: Morphine, Oxygen, Nitrates, and Aspirin. These are the four primary interventions that are performed when treating a patient with Heart Attack/Myocardial Infarction (MI). However, MONA does not represent the order in which you should administer these treatments as a nurse. It is a mnemonic intended to help you remember the components of MI treatment, not the prioritization of them.

  • M: Morphine
    Analgesic drugs such as morphine are to reduce pain and anxiety, also has other beneficial effects as a vasodilator and decreases the workload of the heart by reducing preload and afterload.
  • O: Oxygen
    To provide and improve oxygenation of ischemic myocardial tissue; enforced together with bedrest to help reduce myocardial oxygen consumption. Given via nasal cannula at 2 to 4 L/min.
  • N: Nitroglycerine
    First-line of treatment for angina pectoris and acute MI; causes vasodilation and increases blood flow to the myocardium.
  • A: Aspirin
    Aspirin prevents the formation of thromboxane A2 which causes platelets to aggregate and arteries to constrict. The earlier the patient receives ASA after symptom onset, the greater the potential benefit.
  • T: Thrombolytics
    To dissolve the thrombus in a coronary artery, allowing blood to flow through again, minimizing the size of the infarction and preserving ventricular function; given in some patients with MI.
  • A: Anticoagulants
    Given to prevent clots from becoming larger and block coronary arteries. They are usually given with other anticlotting medicines to help prevent or reduce heart muscle damage.
  • S: Stool Softeners
    Given to avoid intense straining that may trigger arrhythmias or another cardiac arrest.
  • S: Sedatives
    In order to limit the size of infarction and give rest to the patient. Valium or an equivalent is usually given.
Immediate Treatment of a Myocardial Infarction Client β€œMONA TASS”

7. Myocardial Infarction Management: β€œINFARCTIONS”

Goals of treatment during MI are to minimize myocardial damage, preserve myocardial function, and prevent complications. These goals can be achieved by reperfusing the area with the emergency use of thrombolytic medications or by PCI. Reducing myocardial oxygen demand, and increasing oxygen supply with medications, oxygen administration and bed rest can minimize myocardial damage.

  • I: IV access
    Two IV lines are placed usually to ensure that access is available for administering emergency medications.
  • N: Narcotic analgesics
    Morphine is the analgesic of choice for MI and is administered in IV boluses to reduce pain and anxiety; reduces preload and afterload and relaxes bronchioles to enhance oxygenation.
  • F: Facilities for defibrillation (DF)
    Have the crash cart available and ready.
  • A: Aspirin
    Inhibits platelet aggregation. Treatment should be initiated immediately and continued for years.
  • R: Rest
    Bed rest promotes comfort and healing.
  • C: Converting enzyme inhibitor
    ACE-inhibitors lowers the blood pressure and the kidneys excrete sodium and fluid.
  • T: Thrombolytics
    Administered via IV to dissolve the thrombus in a coronary artery, allowing blood reperfusion, minimizing the size of the infarction and preserving ventricular function.
  • I: IV beta blocker
    Long-term therapy with beta-blockers decreases the future incidences of cardiac events.
  • O: Oxygen
    Administer at a modest flow rate for 2 to 3 LPM.
  • N: Nitrates
    To increase cardiac output and reduce myocardial workload; relieves pain by redistributing blood to ischemic areas of the myocardium.
  • S: Stool Softeners
    To prevent straining during defecation, which causes vagal stimulation and may slow the heart rate.
Myocardial Infarction Management: β€œINFARCTIONS”

8. Myocardial Infarction Nursing Management: β€œBEE CAB SCORE”

Nursing care for patients who suffered MI is directed towards detecting complications, preventing further myocardial damage, and promoting comfort, rest, and emotional well-being.

  • B: Bed rest
    Bed rest helps reduce myocardial oxygen consumption.
  • E: ECG Monitoring
    Frequently monitor ECG to detect rate changes or arrhythmias; place rhythm strips in the patient’s chart for evaluation.
  • E: Emotional support
    Provide support and help reduce stress and anxiety; administer tranquilizers as needed.
  • C: Cluster/Organize Patient Care
    To maximize periods of uninterrupted rest.
  • A: Antiembolism stockings
    Can help prevent venostasis and thrombophlebitis.
  • B: Bedside commode
    Allow use of bedside commode and provide privacy as much as possible.
  • S: Stool Softener
    To prevent straining during defecation causing vagal stimulation and slow heart rate.
  • C: Cardiac Rehabilitation Program
    Includes education regarding heart disease, exercise, and emotional support for the patient and the family.
  • O: Oxygen therapy
    Increases available oxygen; set at 2-3 LPM.
  • R: Range-of-motion Exercises
    Provides physical activity for the patient; if immobilized, turn him often.
  • E: Educate and inform
    Explain procedures and answer questions.
Myocardial Infarction Nursing Management: β€œBEE CAB SCORE”

9. Cardiopulmonary Bypass Complications β€œ4 H’s of CBP”

Cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) mechanically circulates and oxygenates blood for the body while bypassing the heart and lungs. CPB maintains perfusion to body organs and tissues and allows the surgeon to complete the anastomosis in a motionless, bloodless, surgical field. CPB is not benign and there are a number of associated problems; use is limited to several hours.

  • H: Hypothermia
    Because blood is cooled during CPB to slow the body’s basal metabolic rate.
  • H: Hemodilution
    Due to administration of isotonic crystalloid solution during the procedure.
  • H: Heparinization
    Heparin is used to prevent clotting and thrombus formation in the bypass circuit when blood comes in contact with the surface of the tubing.
  • H: Head or β€œPumphead”
    AKA postperfusion syndrome, include defects associated with attention, concentration, short term memory, fine motor function, and speed of mental and motor responses.
Cardiopulmonary Bypass Complications β€œ4 H’s of CBP”

10. The β€œ3 D’s” Cardiac Tamponade (Beck’s Triad)

In cardiac tamponade, blood or fluid collects in the pericardium, the sac surrounding the heart. Pericardial fluid may accumulate slowly without causing any noticeable symptoms until a large amount accumulates. However, a rapidly developing effusion can stretch the pericardium to its maximum size and, because of increased pericardial pressure, reduce venous return to the heart and decrease CO. It often has three characteristic signs that the physician will recognize during a physical exam. These signs are commonly referred to as β€œBeck’s Triad” or The 3 D’s.

  • D: Distant or muffled heart sounds
  • D: Distended jugular veins
  • D: Decreased pulse pressure
The β€œ3 D’s” Cardiac Tamponade (Beck’s Triad)

More to be added soon…


Know a few witty nursing mnemonics? If you some mnemonics about this topic, please do share them at our comments section below! Also, there are more nursing mnemonics here, be sure to check them out.

Matt Vera, a registered nurse since 2009, leverages his experiences as a former student struggling with complex nursing topics to help aspiring nurses as a full-time writer and editor for Nurseslabs, simplifying the learning process, breaking down complicated subjects, and finding innovative ways to assist students in reaching their full potential as future healthcare providers.

24 thoughts on “Cardiovascular Care Nursing Mnemonics and Tips”

  1. So very useful for clinical nursing..thanks for sharing an awesome resources of evidence-based practice..

    Reply
  2. Thank u so much NURSESLABS. All the posts are so interactive, easy to grasp and made my learning fun. I love this site and love to share some of the contents to my colleagues. Will be taking NCLEX soon and this website has been a generous help. Thank u again! More power to all the people behind it

    Reply
    • Hi Ghel,

      Super happy to know that and thank you for your kind message! We’re hoping to add a few more mnemonics soon, any suggestions?

      Reply
      • You should do one on pediatrics since you only have one quiz about pediatrics and that is it on the learning part.

    • One way to have them on hand is that there is a way to print them off…next to “96k shares” there are a bunch of these symbols and the last one represents printing the document. One is for facebook and another is for google plus. Or if you don’t want to print them you could copy and past the words onto a word document or google docs and have it on hand that way.

      Reply
  3. hello matt, thank you for this brief review notes. i will be taking the prometric exam next week..this really helps a lot..your’e such an inspiration and continue to be a blessing to others! thank you matt! god bless you

    Reply
  4. wow….simply amazingly wow…..
    i love to search in nurseslabs it makes my work very easy..
    THANKYOU SOOO MUCH NURSES LABS….

    Reply
  5. for DAD BOUND CLASH/ medication for heart failure, I might be wrong but I noticed that digitalis medications come up twice, I wonder if the second was meant to be diuretics, as the definition fits better ?

    Reply
  6. my goodness this website is the bomb what a kind person, for you to put all these important information here without no cost. I am loving this, only God would bless you for this good thought.

    Reply
  7. I graduated 30 years ago, and I love your website. I wish I had this when I was a traveler. I supervised a tele unit so had some experience. I was always asked to float to units I had only read about, like open heart, transplant units, psych, cancer research. I usually went places the hospital staff wouldn’t float to without a fight. I kept an open mind and learned as much as I could. Now I come here to brush up on what I’ve forgotten. Your site has so much good information. It’s well thought out making it easy to read and to navigate. Thank you for sharing your knowledge with students, grads and one old traveler. You’re an angel and I appreciate what you do {{mwah}}

    Reply
  8. I really learned reading and reviewing your practice test and mnemonics. Thank you so much for sharing. I hope and pray that I will pass my NCLEX exam.πŸ™πŸ™πŸ™

    Reply
  9. I wish I have found this before when I was still a student, but I am more thankful now that I have found this website, since I am reviewing again all the the things I need to know again about nursing. I have been browsing this website for less than an hour, and I find it very helpful. Thank you so much.

    Reply
  10. Thank you so much for your helpπŸ™πŸ™πŸ™God Bless you more and showers of blessings be upon you! #nurseslabs

    Reply
  11. It is very helpful information and thank you so much for help. Otherwise it is very expensive to collect the info to write the exam. Thanks again

    Reply
  12. As a nurse, I find mnemonics to be an extremely helpful tool in providing effective cardiovascular care. I was thrilled to see the “ABCD” mnemonic for assessment of chest pain, “FAST” for recognizing symptoms of a stroke, and “H’s and T’s” for management of heart failure listed in this article. These mnemonics make it easier for me to quickly recall important information and procedures, and provide the highest level of care to my patients. I also appreciate the inclusion of the “R.A.P.I.D.” and “5 P’s” mnemonics, as they provide a comprehensive approach to assessing and treating patients with chest pain and peripheral arterial disease. Thank you for sharing these valuable resources!

    Reply
    • Hi Dr. Nks, Glad to hear the cardiovascular care nursing mnemonics were useful! 😊 If you’ve got any specific areas you’d like more mnemonics on or other topics you’re curious about, just let me know. Always here to help out!

      Reply

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