A&Ox3
Medical abbreviation · Nursing
| Stands for | Alert and oriented times three |
|---|---|
| Categories | Medical |
A&Ox3 stands for Alert and oriented times three, a nursing abbreviation.
Mental status shorthand meaning the patient is awake and correctly knows who they are, where they are and the date or time. It is a quick bedside orientation check charted at least once per shift.
Example: Pt A&Ox3, follows commands, denies pain, call light within reach.
Usage notes
Also written AOx3, AAOx3 (awake, alert and oriented) or "oriented x3". Person, place and time are the usual three spheres; adding situation makes it x4. Orientation to time is usually lost first in delirium and dementia, so the note should say which sphere was missed rather than only "A&Ox2".
Related abbreviations
More nursing abbreviations
- A&Ox4 – Alert and oriented times four
- AAT – Activity as tolerated
- ADAT – Advance diet as tolerated
- ADPIE – Assessment, diagnosis, planning, implementation, evaluation
- amb – Ambulate (ambulatory)
- BCMA – Barcode medication administration
- BR – Bed rest
- BRP – Bathroom privileges
- BS – Blood sugar
- BSC – Bedside commode
- C&DB – Cough and deep breathe
- C/D/I – Clean, dry and intact
See all 90 nursing abbreviations →
This entry is for general education and is not medical advice. Abbreviation use varies between institutions; always confirm in context.