Anatomy subcategory

Shock and Sepsis

Mnemonics for recognition, classification, fluids, vasopressors and the sepsis bundle.

Entries in Shock and Sepsis

Blood Culture Principles Mnemonic

Two sets, separate sites, adequate volume, before antibiotics

A memory aid for taking and interpreting blood cultures.

Microbiology and SerologyShock and Sepsis
Fluid Status Assessment Mnemonic

History, observations, examination and charts together

A memory aid for assessing whether a patient is dry or overloaded.

Vital Signs and AssessmentShock and Sepsis
Group and Save Versus Crossmatch Mnemonic

Group and save identifies the blood type; crossmatch reserves specific units

A memory aid for pre-transfusion testing and the safety rules.

Haematology and Blood FilmShock and Sepsis
Lactate Interpretation Mnemonic

Type A from hypoperfusion, type B without it

A memory aid for interpreting a raised lactate.

Blood Gases and Acid BaseShock and Sepsis
Meningococcal Sepsis Mnemonic

A non-blanching rash in an unwell patient is meningococcal until proven otherwise

A memory aid for recognising and treating meningococcal disease.

Shock and Sepsis
Neurogenic Shock Mnemonic

Hypotension with bradycardia and warm peripheries after high spinal cord injury

A memory aid for the distinctive features of neurogenic shock.

CardiovascularShock and Sepsis
Procalcitonin and Sepsis Biomarkers Mnemonic

Procalcitonin rises in bacterial infection and falls quickly with treatment

A memory aid for the biomarkers used to distinguish bacterial infection.

Microbiology and SerologyShock and Sepsis
Response to Haemorrhage Mnemonic

Baroreflex tachycardia and vasoconstriction, then fluid shift and hormonal retention

A memory aid for the compensatory response to blood loss.

CardiovascularShock and Sepsis
Sepsis Recognition Mnemonic

Life-threatening organ dysfunction from a dysregulated response to infection

A memory aid for recognising and treating sepsis.

Vital Signs and AssessmentShock and Sepsis
Sepsis Six Mnemonic

Three in and three out, within one hour

A mnemonic for the six interventions in the first hour of sepsis.

Shock and Sepsis
Shock Classification Mnemonic

Hypovolaemic, cardiogenic, obstructive and distributive

A memory aid for the four categories of shock and their haemodynamic profiles.

CardiovascularShock and Sepsis
Shock Recognition at the Bedside Mnemonic

Inadequate tissue perfusion, recognised before hypotension appears

A memory aid for recognising and classifying shock clinically.

Vital Signs and AssessmentShock and Sepsis
Transfusion Reactions Mnemonic

Acute haemolytic, febrile, allergic, TACO and TRALI

A memory aid for the types of transfusion reaction.

Blood and ImmunityShock and Sepsis
Vasopressors and Inotropes Mnemonic

Vasopressors squeeze the vessels; inotropes squeeze the heart

A memory aid for classifying vasoactive drugs by their receptor actions.

CardiovascularCardiovascular Pharmacology