Which acronym is used to assess pain?

The acronym used to assess pain is OPQRST. This mnemonic helps responders gather important information about a patient's pain in a structured manner. Each letter stands for a specific aspect of pain assessment:

• O: Onset - This refers to when the pain started. Understanding the onset can help determine the cause and urgency of treatment.

• P: Provocation - This asks what makes the pain worse or better. It provides insight into the nature of the pain and potential triggers.

• Q: Quality - This describes the characteristics of the pain (e.g., sharp, dull, throbbing). It helps in categorizing the type of pain and understanding the patient's experience.

• R: Radiates - This indicates whether the pain spreads to other areas of the body, which can be vital for diagnosis, especially in conditions like heart attacks.

• S: Severity - This assesses how bad the pain is on a scale, typically from 1 to 10. It helps gauge the urgency of treatment needed.

Using OPQRST allows first responders to perform a comprehensive evaluation of a patient's pain, leading to better-informed decisions for further care or treatment. Other acronyms listed may be used for different assessments or aspects of patient care