What does the acronym OPQRST stand for in pain assessment?

The acronym OPQRST is a widely recognized mnemonic used in pain assessment, particularly in emergency medical services. It stands for Onset, Provocation, Quality, Radiation, and Severity, with Time often included as a way to assess the duration of the pain or symptoms.

Understanding each component is crucial for evaluating a patient’s condition effectively:

• Onset refers to when the pain began and can provide insights into the nature or cause of the pain.

• Provocation addresses what makes the pain better or worse, helping to identify potential triggers or alleviating factors.

• Quality describes the type of pain (sharp, dull, throbbing, etc.), which can help differentiate between various conditions.

• Radiation indicates whether the pain spreads to different areas of the body, guiding clinicians in determining the underlying issues.

• Severity assesses how intense the pain is, often measured on a scale from 0 to 10. This is vital for tracking changes over time and prioritizing interventions.

• Time includes information about the duration of the pain, providing context for the care team regarding acute versus chronic pain.

This comprehensive approach helps emergency responders gather critical information about a patient's pain, facilitating timely and appropriate care.