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Nursing mnemonics cheat sheet: 12 must-know mnemonics

A mnemonic is only useful if it stops a mistake on the exam.

This sheet lists the nursing mnemonics that show up most, what each one stands for, and the trap it helps you avoid, like knowing MONA is not an order of operations.

✔ Reviewed by a licensed RN· Updated Oct 2026· Sources

MnemonicStands forExam point
ROME (acid-base)Respiratory Opposite, Metabolic Equal
  • pH 7.35-7.45, CO2 35-45, HCO3 22-26
MONA (MI)Morphine, Oxygen, Nitro, Aspirin
  • Not in that order: aspirin first
  • O2 only if SpO2 < 90%
FAST (stroke)Face, Arm, Speech, Time
  • Last known well; tPA/TNK within 4.5 h
ABCDE / ADPIEAirway-Breathing-Circulation · Assess first
  • CAB in cardiac arrest
  • Assess before you act
RACE / PASSRescue, Alarm, Confine, Extinguish/Evacuate
  • Pull, Aim, Squeeze, Sweep
DIG FAST / SIG E CAPSMania signs / depression signs
  • Depression: 5+ symptoms for 2+ weeks
6 P's (compartment)Pain, Pressure, Paresthesia, Pallor, Paralysis, Pulseless (some lists: Poikilothermia)
  • Pulseless is LATE
  • Contact provider immediately; heart level
6 L's (low K+)Lethargy, Leg cramps, Limp, Low RR, Lethal rhythm, Lots pee
  • Never IV push potassium
MURDER (high K+)Muscle, Urine, Resp, Decreased contractility, EKG, Reflexes
  • Calcium gluconate protects the heart first
CATS (low Ca++)Convulsions, Arrhythmias, Tetany, Spasms
  • Trousseau and Chvostek signs
Cushing's vs Addison'sToo much cortisol vs too little
  • Cushing's: moon face, high BP, high sugar
  • Addison's: bronze, low BP, high K+
APGARAppearance, Pulse, Grimace, Activity, Respiration
  • 0-2 each at 1 and 5 min; 7-10 normal

RN pearl: A mnemonic is only worth the trap it stops: MONA is not an order of operations, and pulseless is the P you never wait for.

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Frequently asked questions

What does MONA stand for?

Morphine, Oxygen, Nitroglycerin, Aspirin for a heart attack. It is not the order you give them: aspirin comes first, and oxygen only if SpO2 is under 90%.

What does RACE stand for?

Rescue, Alarm, Confine, Extinguish (or Evacuate): the order of actions in a fire. PASS (Pull, Aim, Squeeze, Sweep) is how you use the fire extinguisher.

What are the 6 P's of compartment syndrome?

Pain, pressure, paresthesia, pallor, paralysis and pulselessness (some lists use poikilothermia, a cold limb, in place of pressure). Pulselessness is a late sign; contact the provider immediately.

Keep studying

🔤 Stat WordGuess the clinical word in 6 triesABG interpretation cheat sheetAcid-baseElectrolyte imbalances cheat sheetFluids & electrolytesCranial nerves cheat sheetHealth assessment

Sources

  1. Medical-Surgical Nursing, 10.4 Acid-Base Imbalance, OpenStax
  2. Pharmacology for Nurses, 5.2 Electrolytes, OpenStax
  3. 2025 ACC/AHA Guideline for the Management of Patients With Acute Coronary Syndromes, American Heart Association, Circulation
  4. Fire Extinguisher Use (PASS), OSHA

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