Which statement about the OPQRST pain assessment is true?

• A. OPQRST is used to document blood pressure.
• B. OPQRST is used to assess pain characteristics.
• C. OPQRST measures heart rate.
• D. OPQRST records oxygen saturation.

Answer: (B)

OPQRST is a structured way to interview a patient about pain so you can describe its characteristics in detail. It guides you to ask about onset (when it began), provocation/palliation (what makes it worse or relief it), quality (what the pain feels like), region/radiation (where it is and whether it spreads), severity (how intense it is, often on a scale), and timing (how long it lasts and whether it’s constant or intermittent). This framework builds a clear picture of the pain experience, which helps determine appropriate treatments and track changes over time. It’s specifically focused on the nature of the pain itself, not on measuring other physiologic data. So OPQRST is used to assess pain characteristics, rather than documenting blood pressure, measuring heart rate, or recording oxygen saturation.