Pharmacology Nursing Mnemonics & Tips
1. Lidocaine Toxicity: “SAMS”
Lidocaine is a class IB antiarrhythmic used as a second-line agent and after myocardial
infarction. The therapeutic drug range for lidocaine is 1.5-5.0 mcg/mL. While generally safe,
lidocaine can be toxic if administered inappropriately, and in some cases may cause unintended
reactions even when properly administered. Lidocaine toxicity is seen at levels greater than 5
mcg/mL. Remember the mnemonic SAMS for signs and symptoms of lidocaine toxicity.
• S: Slurred speech
• A: Altered central nervous system
• M: Muscle twitching
• S: Seizures
2. Medication Administration Checklist: “TRAMP”
Nurses are primarily involved in the administration of medication across various settings. They
are primarily involved in both dispensing and preparation of medication. Research on medical
administration errors (MAEs) shows an error rate of 60%, 34% mainly in the form of wrong
time, wrong rate, or wrong dose. Before dispensing medication, ensure the correct TRAMP. See
also the 10 rights of medication administration.
, • T: Time
Check the order for when it would be given and when was the last time it was given.
• R: Route
Check the order if it’s through oral, IV, SQ, IM, or etc.
• A: Amount
Check the medication sheet and the doctor’s order before medicating. Be aware of the
difference of an adult and a pediatric dose.
• M: Medication
Check and verify if it’s the right name and form. Beware of look-alike and sound-alike
medication names.
• P: Patient
Ask the name of the client and check his/her ID band before giving the medication. Even
if you know that patient’s name, you still need to ask just to verify.
1. Lidocaine Toxicity: “SAMS”
Lidocaine is a class IB antiarrhythmic used as a second-line agent and after myocardial
infarction. The therapeutic drug range for lidocaine is 1.5-5.0 mcg/mL. While generally safe,
lidocaine can be toxic if administered inappropriately, and in some cases may cause unintended
reactions even when properly administered. Lidocaine toxicity is seen at levels greater than 5
mcg/mL. Remember the mnemonic SAMS for signs and symptoms of lidocaine toxicity.
• S: Slurred speech
• A: Altered central nervous system
• M: Muscle twitching
• S: Seizures
2. Medication Administration Checklist: “TRAMP”
Nurses are primarily involved in the administration of medication across various settings. They
are primarily involved in both dispensing and preparation of medication. Research on medical
administration errors (MAEs) shows an error rate of 60%, 34% mainly in the form of wrong
time, wrong rate, or wrong dose. Before dispensing medication, ensure the correct TRAMP. See
also the 10 rights of medication administration.
, • T: Time
Check the order for when it would be given and when was the last time it was given.
• R: Route
Check the order if it’s through oral, IV, SQ, IM, or etc.
• A: Amount
Check the medication sheet and the doctor’s order before medicating. Be aware of the
difference of an adult and a pediatric dose.
• M: Medication
Check and verify if it’s the right name and form. Beware of look-alike and sound-alike
medication names.
• P: Patient
Ask the name of the client and check his/her ID band before giving the medication. Even
if you know that patient’s name, you still need to ask just to verify.
