OPQRST
Medical abbreviation · Patient Assessment
| Stands for | Onset, provocation, quality, region/radiation, severity, time |
|---|---|
| Categories | Medical |
OPQRST stands for Onset, provocation, quality, region/radiation, severity, time, a patient assessment abbreviation.
Mnemonic for questioning a patient about pain or another symptom: when it started, what makes it better or worse, what it feels like, where it is and spreads, how bad it is and how it has changed over time.
Example: OPQRST: sudden onset at rest, worse lying flat, sharp, central radiating to back, 9/10, constant x 1 hour.
Usage notes
Widely taught in EMS and nursing programs. Physician students often learn similar mnemonics such as OLDCARTS or SOCRATES. Asking about associated symptoms and what the patient has already tried fills the gaps OPQRST leaves.
Related abbreviations
More patient assessment abbreviations
- NCAT – Normocephalic, atraumatic
- NEWS2 – National Early Warning Score 2
- NIBP – Noninvasive blood pressure
- NRS – Numeric rating scale
- NT/ND – Nontender, nondistended
- NVI – Neurovascularly intact
- P – Pulse
- PAINAD – Pain Assessment in Advanced Dementia
- PEWS – Pediatric Early Warning Score
- POSS – Pasero Opioid-Induced Sedation Scale
- PP – Pulse pressure
- PWD – Pink, warm and dry
See all 65 patient assessment abbreviations →
This entry is for general education and is not medical advice. Abbreviation use varies between institutions; always confirm in context.