Acronyms and Triads in EMS

Question 1

AEIOU TIPS

Answer 1

Acronym used to asses a patient with an altered mental status: Alcohol, Epilepsy, Infection, Opiates, Uremia (kidney failure), Trauma, Insulin, Poisoning, Stroke

Question 2

APGAR

Answer 2

Acronym for the steps of a newborn assessment: Appearance, Pulse, Grimace, Activity, Respirations

Question 3

AVPU

Answer 3

Acronym used to assess a patient’s level of consciousness: Alert, Verbal, Pain, Unresponsive

Question 4

Beck’s Triad

Answer 4

Triad associated with sings of cardiac tamponade: Hypotension, JVD and muffled heart sounds

Question 5

BP DOC

Answer 5

Acronym used during patient assessment: Bleeding, Pain, Deformities, Open Wounds, Crepitus

Question 6

Cushing’s Triad

Answer 6

Triad associated with head injuries and an increased ICP: Hypertension, Bradycardia and an irregular breathing pattern (Cheyne Stokes, Biot’s, CNH)

Question 7

DCAP-BLS-TIC

Answer 7

Acronym used during patient assessment: Deformities, Contusions, Abrasions, Punctures/Penetrations, Burns, Lacerations, Swelling, Tenderness, Instability, Crepitus

Question 8

DUMBELLS

Answer 8

Acronym used to remember signs/symptoms of organophosphate poisoning: Diarrhea, Urination, Miosis (pinpoint pupils), Bradycardia, Emesis, Lacrimation, Lethargy, Salivation

Question 9

OPQRST-ASPN

Answer 9

Acronym for the assessment of the current problem/complaint: Onset, Provocation/Palliation, Quality, Radiation, Severity, Time, Associated Symptoms, Pertinent Negatives

Question 10

PEARLA

Answer 10

Acronym used to obtain a patient’s past medical history: Pupils Equal and Reactive to Light and Accommodating

Question 11

SAMPLE

Answer 11

Acronym used to obtain a patient’s past medical history: Signs/Symptoms, Allergies, Medications, Past Pertinent Medical History, Last Oral Intake, Events Leading up

Question 12

SLUDGE

Answer 12

Acronym used to remember signs/symptoms of organophosphate poisoning: Salivation, Lacrimation, Urination, Defecation, GI Distress, Emesis

Question 13

Waddell’s Triad

Answer 13

Triad associated with injuries in pediatric patients from being struck by an automobile: Femur/Pelvis Fractures, Chest/Abdominal Injuries and a Head Injury

Question 14

ABC

Answer 14

Airway, Breathing, Circulation

Question 15

GPAL

Answer 15

Acronym used to evaluate a pregnant patient: G: how many times have they been pregnant, P: how many times have they had live delivered, A: how many times have they had abortions/miscarriages, L: How many living kids do they have