Which mnemonic is used to guide pain assessment?

• A. DCAP-BTLS
• B. OPQRST
• C. SAMPLE
• D. AVPU

Answer: (B)

The main idea behind this question is understanding how to systematically gather information about a patient’s pain using a concise, practical framework. The OPQRST mnemonic guides you through six essential aspects: Onset (when did the pain begin, was it sudden or gradual), Provocation and Palliation (what makes it worse or better, what relieves it), Quality (what the pain feels like—sharp, dull, burning, throbbing), Region and Radiation (where the pain is and whether it spreads), Severity (how intense the pain is, often on a 0–10 scale), and Timing (how long the pain lasts and whether it’s intermittent or constant). This structure ensures you obtain a complete clinical picture of the pain, which is critical for diagnosis, choosing appropriate treatment, and monitoring response.

Why this is the best fit: OPQRST directly addresses the core elements needed to characterize pain quickly and consistently, so you can tailor management and compare changes over time. The other mnemonics serve different purposes in patient assessment. DCAP-BTLS is a trauma-focused head-to-toe check for injuries, SAMPLE collects medical history and context, and AVPU rapidly screens level of consciousness. While useful in their contexts, they don’t provide the focused, multidimensional pain assessment framework that OPQRST offers.