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.
A3
Aortic Stenosis
Characteristics
Age-related Calcifications
Bicuspid Aortic Valve
Crescendo-decrescendo Murmur
Systolic Murmur
Ejection Murmur
Ejection Click
Radiates to Carotids and Apex
Pulsus Parvus et Tardus
Syncope
Helmet Cells
2 mins
Aortic Regurgitation
Auscultation
Diastolic Murmur
Immediate High-pitched
Blowing Murmur
Clinical Findings
Wide Pulse Pressure
Water Hammer Pulse
Head Bobbing
Pulsating Nail Bed
Considerations
Can Cause Austin Flint Murmur
1 min
Tricuspid Regurgitation
Holosystolic
Blowing Murmur
Radiates to Right Sternal Border
Enhanced by Inspiration
1 min
Mitral Regurgitation
Characteristics
Holosystolic
Blowing Murmur
Loudest at Apex
Radiates toward Axilla
Louder by Squatting
Hand Grip
Expiration
1 min
Mitral Stenosis
Characteristics
Murmur Follows Opening Snap
Late Diastolic Murmur
Enhanced by Expiration
Low-Pitched Rumbling
Dilation of Left Atrium (LA)
Recurrent Attacks of Rheumatic Fever
2 mins
Ventricular Septal Defect (VSD)
Pathophysiology
Opening at Intraventricular Septum
Most Common Congenital Heart lesion
Symptoms
High-pitched Holosystolic Murmer (over left sternal border)
Dyspnea and Respiratory Distress
Loud Pulmonic S2
Diagnosis
Echocardiogram
Treatment
Small VSDs Close Spontaneously
Large VSDs Require Surgery
Complications
Endocarditis
Eisenmenger's Syndrome
CHF
2 mins
Stable Angina
Assessment
Chest Pain with Exertion
Relieved within 15 Minutes
ST Depression
Interventions
Nitroglycerin
Up to 3 Doses q 5 Minutes
Rest
Antiplatelet Medication
CABG
Angioplasty
2 mins
Unstable Angina
Assessment
Chest Pain with Rest or Exertion
Limits ADLs
> 15 Minutes
Less Likely Relieved by Nitroglycerin
ST Depression
Fatigue
Considerations
Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS) Treatment
Emergency Treatment
2 mins
Cardiac Enzyme Evaluation: Troponin
Measures
Cardiac Muscle Injury
Time Ranges
Detection in Blood: 4 Hours
Peak: 24 - 36 Hours
Return to Normal: 5 - 14 Days
Considerations
Most Specific for Cardiac Muscle
Treat Aggressively
2 mins
Myocardial Infarction Interventions
MONA
Morphine
Oxygen
Nitrates
Aspirin
Thrombolytics (tPA)
Invasive Procedures
Cardiac Catheterization
Stent Placement
Angioplasty
Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting (CABG)
Considerations
Decrease Modifiable Risk Factors
Resuming Activity (Physical, Sexual)
2 mins
Myocardial Infarction Diagnosis
Diagnosis
12 Lead ECG
ST Elevation
Q Wave
T Wave Inversion
Troponin T and I
CK-MB
Considerations
Early ECG
Cardiac Stress Test
2 mins
Myocardial Infarction Assessment
Assessment
Substernal Chest Pain
Crushing or Dull Sensation
Arm, Jaw, and Neck
> 20 Minutes
Unrelieved by Nitro
Palpitations
Diaphoresis
Fear of Impending Doom
Nausea and Vomiting
Shortness of Breath
Considerations
Monitor for Arrhythmias
2 mins
Types of Heart Failure
Left Sided
Pulmonary Congestion
Right Sided
Peripheral Edema
High Output
Unable to Meet Metabolic Needs
1 min
Right Heart Failure Assessment
Jugular Venous Distention (JVD)
Peripheral Edema
Hepatosplenomegaly
Nocturia
Weight Gain
Ascites
Fatigue
1 min
Left Heart Failure Assessment
Pulmonary Assessment
Pulmonary Congestion
Pink Frothy Sputum
Wheezing or Crackles
Dyspnea with Exertion
Cough
Systemic Assessment
Fatigue
Tachycardia
Weak Peripheral Pulse
S3, S4 Heart Sounds
1 min
Heart Failure Interventions
Diagnostic Tests
Echocardiogram
Invasive Hemodynamic Monitoring
Improve Gas Exchange
High Fowler's Position
Oxygen
Advanced Airway
Drugs and Devices
Diuretics
Beta Blockers
Angiotensin II Receptor Blockers (ARBs)
ACE Inhibitors
Digoxin (Lanoxin)
Pacemaker
2 mins
Acute Pericarditis Causes
Idiopathic
Infection
Trauma
Cardiac
Myocardial Infarction
Autoimmune Diseases
Uremia
Tumor
Radiation
2 mins
Acute Pericarditis Assessment
Pericardial Sac Inflammation
Assessment
Sharp Chest Pain
Increased with Inspiration
Pain Decreased by Leaning Forward
Pericardial Friction Rub
Diffuse ST-Elevation
T Wave Inversion
Fever
Considerations
May Be Asymptomatic
Cardiac Tamponade
2 mins
Acute Pericarditis Interventions
Interventions
Treat Underlying Disorder
Antibiotics
Colchicine + NSAIDs
Corticosteroids
Place Patient Upright with Head of Bed at 45°
Pericardiocentesis
Pericardial Window
2 mins
Endocarditis Assessment
Infection of Inner Layer and Valves
Assessment
Fever
Fatigue
New or Changed Murmurs
Roth's Spots
Splinter Hemorrhages
Janeway Lesions
Osler's Nodes
Considerations
Heart Failure
Embolization
2 mins
Ace Your Physician Assistant (PA) Classes & Exams with Picmonic:
Over 1,960,000 students use Picmonic’s picture mnemonics to improve knowledge, retention, and exam performance.
Choose the #1 Physician Assistant (PA) student study app.
Picmonic for Physician Assistant (PA) covers information that is relevant to your entire Physician Assistant (PA) education. Whether you’re studying for your classes or getting ready to conquer the PANCE® or PANRE®, we’re here to help.
Works better than traditional Physician Assistant (PA) flashcards.
Research shows that students who use Picmonic see a 331% improvement in memory retention and a 50% improvement in test scores.