Ace Your Fundamentals of Nursing, 9th Ed., Taylor, Lynn, Bartlett Classes and Exams with Picmonic: #1 Visual Mnemonic Study Tool for Registered Nurse (RN) Students

With Picmonic, facts become pictures. We've taken what the science shows - image mnemonics work - but we've boosted the effectiveness by building and associating memorable characters, interesting audio stories, and built-in quizzing. Whether you're studying for your classes or getting ready for a big exam, we're here to help.

get premium

Fundamentals of Nursing, 9th Ed., Taylor, Lynn, Bartlett | Registered Nurse (RN) School Study Aid

Normal Electrolyte Lab Values

Potassium (K⁺)

3.5 to 5.0 mEq/L

Calcium (Ca²⁺)

8.5 to 10.5 mg/dL

Phosphate (PO₄^3–)

2.5 to 4.5 mg/dL

Magnesium (Mg²⁺)

1.5 to 2.5 mEq/L

Sodium (Na⁺)

135 to 145 mEq/L

Chloride (Cl^–)

95 to 105 mEq/L

2 mins

Sodium (Na+) Lab Value

135-145 mEq/L

24 secs

Potassium (K+) Lab Value

3.5 to 5.0 mEq/L

20 secs

Calcium (Ca2+) Lab Value

8.5 to 10.5 mg/dL

26 secs

Magnesium (Mg2+) Lab Value

1.5 to 2.5 mEq/L

28 secs

Chloride (Cl-) Lab Value

95-105 mEq/L

28 secs

Phosphate (PO43-) Lab Value

2.5 to 4.5 mg/dL

29 secs

pH - Blood and Urine Lab Value

Blood

7.35 - 7.45

Urine

4.0 - 8.0

1 min

Hyponatremia

< 135 mEq Na+

Nausea and Vomiting

Decreased LOC

Confusion / Lethargy

Seizures

Assess Airway

Reduce Diuretic Dosage

Mannitol (Osmitrol)

Fluid Restriction

Hypertonic Solution (3% or 5% NaCl)

2 mins

Hypernatremia

> 145 mEq/L Na+

Change in LOC

Extreme Thirst

Orthostatic Hypotension

Dry Flushed Skin

Muscle Twitching

Seizures

Treat and Prevent Dehydration

Hypotonic Solutions (0.225% or 0.45% NaCl)

Sodium Restriction

Diuretics

2 mins

Hypokalemia

< 3.5 mEq/L

Muscle Weakness

Arrhythmia

U Wave

Ileus

Hyporeflexia

IV K+ Infusion at 5-10 mEq/hr

Give Orally with Food

Monitor Respiratory Status

3 mins

Hyperkalemia

> 5.0 mEq/L K+

Abdominal Cramps

Muscle Weakness

Diarrhea

Arrhythmia

Tall, Peaked T Waves

IV Calcium

Infusion of Glucose and Insulin

Loop or Thiazide Diuretics

Kayexalate

Dialysis

Prevention Education

2 mins

Hypocalcemia

Muscle Spasms

< 8.5 mg/dL Ca2+

Decreased Bone Density

Tetany

Chvostek's Sign

Trousseau's Sign

Increased DTR

ECG Changes

QT Prolongation

Oral and IV Replacement of Ca2+

Seizure Precautions

2 mins

Hypomagnesemia

Confusion

Increased Deep Tendon Reflexes (DTRs)

Neuromuscular Irritability

Seizures

Muscle Cramps

Tremors

Insomnia

Tachycardia

Magnesium Sulfate

Foods High in Magnesium

1 min

Hypermagnesemia

Flushing

Lethargy

Muscle Weakness

Decreased Deep Tendon Reflexes (DTRs)

Decreased Respirations

Bradycardia

Hypotension

Dialysis

IV Calcium Gluconate

Diuretics

Avoid Antacids and Laxatives containing Mg²⁺

2 mins

Respiratory Acidosis Assessment

Decreased pH < 7.35

Increased PaCO2 > 45

Reduced Respirations

Anxiety

Change in LOC

Tachycardia

Cyanosis

Increased Electrolytes

ECG Changes

Muscle Weakness

Hyporeflexia

2 mins

Respiratory Acidosis Interventions

Improve Respiration

Bronchodilators

Respiratory Stimulants

Drug Antagonists

Oxygen

Assisted Ventilation

Prevent Complications

1 min

Respiratory Alkalosis Assessment

Increased pH > 7.45

Decreased PaCO2 < 35 mmHg

Hyperventilation

Brainstem Stimulation

Head Injury

Shock

Lightheadedness

Tingling Lips or Fingers

Trousseau's

Chvostek's Sign

Anxiety

2 mins

Respiratory Alkalosis Interventions

Treat Underlying Cause

Decrease Tidal Volume and/or Respiratory Rate

Give Adequate Pain Control and Sedation

Sedatives

Antidepressants

Compensatory Drop in Serum Bicarbonate

Calming Breathing Exercises

Correct CO2 Slowly

2 mins

Metabolic Acidosis Assessment

Decreased pH < 7.35

Decreased HCO3 < 22

Abdominal Pain

CNS Depression

Coma

Hypotension

Arrhythmias

Increased Respirations

Kussmaul Respirations

Flushed, Warm, Dry Skin

Muscle Weakness

2 mins

Metabolic Acidosis Interventions

Raise Plasma pH > 7.20

Treat Underlying Cause

Sodium Bicarbonate

Follow ABGs

Continuously Monitor Patient

2 mins

Metabolic Alkalosis Assessment

Increased pH > 7.45

Increased HCO3 > 26

Excitable State

Arrhythmias

Paresthesias

Muscle Cramps

Muscle Weakness

Decreased Respiratory Effort

1 min

Metabolic Alkalosis Interventions

Treat Underlying Cause

Stop Potassium (K+) Wasting Diuretics

Spironolactone

Acetazolamide

IV Fluids

Sodium Chloride

Replace Potassium (K+)

Monitor Respiratory Rate

Monitor Heart Rate

Seizure Precautions

2 mins

Cardiac Catheterization

Fluttering Sensation

Contrast Media

NPO 6-12 Hours

Bed Rest

Assess Circulation

Assess for Bleeding

Monitor Vital Signs

2 mins

Blood Types

Allele A is Dominant

Allele B is Dominant

Allele O is Recessive

Genotypes AA and AO have Type A Blood

Genotypes BB and BO have Type B Blood

Genotype AB is co-dominant and has Type AB Blood

Genotype OO Results in Type O Blood

2 mins

Total Parenteral Nutrition (TPN)

Nutrition Given Outside GI

Hyperglycemia

Hyperlipidemia

Refeeding Syndrome

Nausea and Vomiting

Slow IV Infusion

Use Large Central Vein

No Added Meds to TPN Line

2 mins

Ace Your Registered Nurse (RN) Classes & Exams with Picmonic:

Over 2,060,000 students use Picmonic’s picture mnemonics to improve knowledge, retention, and exam performance.

Choose the #1 Registered Nurse (RN) student study app.

Picmonic for Registered Nurse (RN) covers information that is relevant to your entire Registered Nurse (RN) education. Whether you’re studying for your classes or getting ready to conquer your NCLEX®-RN, Hesi, ATI, TEAS test, Kaplan exams, we’re here to help.

Works better than traditional Registered Nurse (RN) flashcards.

Research shows that students who use Picmonic see a 331% improvement in memory retention and a 50% improvement in test scores.

It's worth every penny

See more reviews