NUR 101 Abbreviation
What does PRN mean?
As needed
Naloxone
A patient suddenly develops one-sided weakness and slurred speech. What is the red flag?
Stroke
I increase when kidney function decreases and help indicate how well the kidneys are filtering. What am I?
Creatinine
Your patient suddenly becomes short of breath and their oxygen saturation is 84%. What would you do first?
Assess airway/breathing and apply oxygen as indicated.
What does BID mean?
Twice daily
I help control high potassium levels by causing potassium to leave the body through the stool. What medication am I?
Sodium zirconium cyclosilicate (Lokelma)
A patient taking insulin becomes shaky, sweaty, and confused. What is happening?
Hypoglycemia
My normal range is about 135–145 mEq/L. Too little of me can cause confusion and seizures. What am I?
Sodium (Na⁺)
Your patient’s blood glucose is 52 mg/dL and they are awake and able to swallow. What would you do?
Give 15g sugar recheck in 15
What does AC mean?
Before meals
I relax blood vessels and lower blood pressure. A common side effect is a dry cough. What medication am I?
Lisinopril
A patient develops sudden shortness of breath, chest pain, and a rapid heart rate after being immobile. What should the nurse suspect?
Pulmonary Embolism (PE)
I am monitored to evaluate the effectiveness of warfarin therapy. What lab am I?
INR
You enter a room and find a patient on the floor. What would you do first?
Assess the patient for injury and check vital signs before moving them.
What does ICP mean?
Intracranial Pressure
I am a potassium-sparing diuretic commonly used for ascites in cirrhosis. What medication am I?
Spironolactone (Aldactone)
A patient is experiencing a hemorrhage. Name 3 signs and symptoms the nurse might see.
Tachycardia, hypotension, pale/cool skin, weakness, dizziness, confusion, decreased urine output, or bleeding.
I can become elevated with liver damage and are commonly checked as part of liver function testing. Name one of me.
AST or ALT
Your patient receiving an IV medication suddenly develops wheezing, facial swelling, and difficulty breathing. What would you do?
Stop the medication/infusion, call for emergency help, and prioritize airway and breathing.
What does DI mean?
Diabetes Insipidus
I am an antibiotic used to reduce ammonia-producing gut bacteria in patients with recurrent hepatic encephalopathy. What medication am I?
Rifaximin (Xifaxan)
A patient with acute kidney injury has very little urine output and develops swelling and shortness of breath. What complication should the nurse suspect?
Fluid Volume Overload
My normal range is about 12–16 g/dL in women and 13.5–17.5 g/dL in men. If I am low, the patient may have anemia. What am I?
Hemoglobin (Hgb)
You have four patients: one has new chest pain, one needs routine medication, one wants a blanket, and one needs discharge paperwork. Who do you see first?
The patient with new chest pain.