Mnemonics for NZREX

History Taking Mnemonics

SOCRATES — Pain History

S — Site (where is the pain?)

O — Onset (when did it start?)

C — Character (sharp, dull, burning?)

R — Radiation (does it spread?)

A — Associations (nausea, sweating?)

T — Timing (constant, intermittent?)

E — Exacerbating/Relieving factors

S — Severity (0-10 scale)

ICE — Patient Ideas & Concerns

I — Ideas (what do you think is causing it?)

C — Concerns (what worries you most?)

E — Expectations (what are you hoping for?)

WWHAM — Pharmacy / OTC History

W — Who is the patient?

W — What are the symptoms?

H — How long have they had them?

A — Action already taken?

M — Medications currently taking?

Systems Review Mnemonics

SAMPLE — History of Presenting Complaint

S — Signs/Symptoms

A — Allergies

M — Medications

P — Past medical history

L — Last meal

E — Events leading up to this

OPQRST — Alternative Pain Assessment

O — Onset

P — Provocation/Palliation

Q — Quality

R — Region/Radiation

S — Severity

T — Timing

Examination Mnemonics

WIPER — Examination Sequence

W — Wash hands

I — Introduce yourself

P — Position / Privacy

E — Expose appropriately

R — Right patient

ABCDE — Systematic Examination Approach

A — Airway

B — Breathing

C — Circulation

D — Disability (neurological)

E — Exposure / Environment

IPPA — Abdominal Examination

I — Inspection

P — Percussion

P — Palpation (light then deep)

A — Auscultation

Clinical Condition Mnemonics

DCAP-BTLS — Trauma Assessment

D — Deformities

C — Contusions

A — Abrasions

P — Punctures/Penetrations

B — Burns

T — Tenderness

L — Lacerations

S — Swelling

SIGECAPS — Depression Screening

S — Sleep disturbance

I — Interest loss (anhedonia)

G — Guilt

E — Energy loss

C — Concentration loss

A — Appetite changes

P — Psychomotor changes

S — Suicidal ideation

OSCE Station Mnemonic: SEIPS

Use this for structured approach to every OSCE station:

S — Setting the scene: Introduce, consent, privacy

E — Exploration: History, symptoms, concerns

I — Ideas, Concerns, Expectations: Patient's perspective

P — Plan: Investigations, management, follow-up

S — Safety net: When to return, red flags

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Pro Tip

Don't just memorise mnemonics — practice applying them in timed OSCE conditions. The key is fluency, not just recall. Say them out loud during practice stations.

Quick Memory Aids

DRABCDE — Emergency approach

CURB-65 — Pneumonia severity

FAST — Stroke assessment

CAGE — Alcohol screening

PHQ-9 — Depression scoring