Acronyms and protocols for medicine+special patient populations

Bag-Valve-Mask (BVM)

A handheld device used to give positive-pressure ventilation with oxygen; should be prepared before delivery in case a newborn needs respiratory support.

Newborn Suction

Equipment kept ready at birth to clear amniotic fluid or mucus from a neonate’s mouth and nose, helping maintain an open airway.

Umbilical Cord Clamping

The act of clamping and cutting the cord once pulsations stop—typically 30 seconds to 1 minute after birth.

Neonatal Bradycardia (<60 bpm)

A heart rate under 60 beats per minute in a newborn; requires immediate BVM ventilation with oxygen.

Neonatal CPR Trigger

Start chest compressions if the newborn’s heart rate stays below 60 bpm after 30 seconds of effective BVM ventilation.

First- or Second-Trimester Vaginal Bleeding

Often signals a threatened or spontaneous miscarriage.

Placenta Previa

Placenta located low in the uterus, causing painless, heavy bleeding in late pregnancy.

Abruptio Placentae

Premature separation of a normally implanted placenta, producing painful bleeding in late pregnancy.

Oxygen Administration Guideline (Cardiac/Stroke)

Provide oxygen if the patient’s SpO2 is below 94 % or if the patient is in respiratory distress.

Nitroglycerin Administration Restriction

Do not administer nitroglycerin unless the patient has a prescription and their systolic blood pressure is above 100 mmHg.

Stroke Transport Priority

Recognize stroke as time-critical and transport the patient directly to a designated stroke center as soon as possible.

Avoiding Treatment Delays in Suspected Stroke

If stroke is suspected and the patient is stable, do not delay transport for initiating an IV line or checking blood glucose.

Hypoglycemia

A diabetic emergency characterized by a blood glucose level below 70 mg/dL, sudden onset, pale and sweaty skin, and altered level of consciousness.

Hyperglycemia

A diabetic emergency involving a blood glucose level above 200 mg/dL, gradual onset, warm and dry skin, extreme thirst, and acetone (fruity) breath odor.

Blood Glucose Level (BGL)

The concentration of glucose in the blood, measured in milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL); used to identify hypo- (<70 mg/dL) or hyper- (200+ mg/dL) glycemia.

Sudden Onset (in diabetes)

Rapid appearance of symptoms, commonly associated with hypoglycemia.

Gradual Onset (in diabetes)

Slow development of symptoms, typically seen in hyperglycemia.

Acetone Breath

A fruity odor on the breath, indicative of ketone build-up, often present in hyperglycemic patients.

Oral Glucose

A fast-acting form of sugar administered to alert hypoglycemic patients to quickly raise blood glucose levels.

Transport for Insulin Adjustment

Recommended action for hyperglycemic patients who may need changes to their insulin regimen at a medical facility.

Protect from injury (during seizure)

First priority in seizure care; move harmful objects away and cushion the patient’s head to prevent trauma.

Do NOT restrain

Never hold or tie down a person having a seizure, as restraint can cause injury and does not stop the convulsions.

Postictal state

The recovery period following a seizure, typically marked by sleepiness and confusion.

Suction (post-seizure)

Use of suction equipment after a seizure to clear saliva or vomitus from the airway, preventing aspiration.

Oxygen administration (post-seizure)

Providing supplemental oxygen after a seizure if the patient shows signs of hypoxia or airway compromise.

Pediatric Assessment Triangle (PAT)

Rapid pediatric assessment tool evaluating appearance, work of breathing, and circulation to skin.

Fontanelle check

Examination of an infant’s fontanelle (<18 months); bulging suggests increased intracranial pressure, sunken indicates dehydration.

Gravida/Para

Obstetric shorthand: Gravida is the total number of pregnancies; Para is the number of pregnancies carried to viable birth.

Left lateral recumbent position

Placement of pregnant patients (>20 weeks) on their left side to avoid supine hypotension from vena cava compression.

Febrile seizure

Seizure occurring in children 6 months–6 years due to a rapid spike in body temperature; usually benign.

Golden period (trauma)

The first 60 minutes after traumatic injury during which prompt care is critical for survival.

FAST

Face drooping, Arm weakness, Speech slurred, Time to call 911; mnemonic for rapid stroke recognition

BE FAST

Balance, Eyes, Face, Arms, Speech, Time; expanded mnemonic for improved stroke detection

AEIOU-TIPS

Alcohol, Epilepsy, Insulin, Overdose, Uremia, Trauma, Infection, Psych, Stroke; mnemonic listing common causes of altered mental status

Cincinnati Stroke Scale

Prehospital stroke assessment checking Facial droop, Arm drift, and Speech abnormalities

GCS (Glasgow Coma Scale)

Neurological scale scoring level of consciousness from 3–15 based on eye, verbal, and motor responses

APGAR

Appearance, Pulse, Grimace, Activity, Respirations; newborn assessment scored at 1 and 5 minutes post-birth

OPQRST

Onset, Provocation, Quality, Radiation, Severity, Time; used for assessing pain, especially chest pain.

SAMPLE

Signs/Symptoms, Allergies, Medications, Past history, Last oral intake, Events leading; acronym for gathering a patient's medical history.

AVPU

Alert, Verbal, Pain, Unresponsive; scale for assessing a patient's level of consciousness.

A&O x4

Alert and Oriented to person, place, time, and event.

PEARL / PERRLA

Pupils Equal And Reactive to Light / Pupils Equal, Round, Reactive to Light and Accommodation; used in neurological checks and head injury assessments.

OPQRST

Onset, Provocation, Quality, Radiation, Severity, Time; used for assessing pain, especially chest pain.

SAMPLE

Signs/Symptoms, Allergies, Medications, Past history, Last oral intake, Events leading; acronym for gathering a patient's medical history.

AVPU

Alert, Verbal, Pain, Unresponsive; scale for assessing a patient's level of consciousness.

A&O x4

Alert and Oriented to person, place, time, and event.

PEARL / PERRLA

Pupils Equal And Reactive to Light / Pupils Equal, Round, Reactive to Light and Accommodation; used in neurological checks and head injury assessments.