OPQRST Pain Assessment

Documentation

Documentation of opqrst pain assessment in the patient care report (PCR) must include: time of assessment, findings, interventions performed, patient response, and reassessment findings. Use objective, measurable terms like "patient reports 8/10 chest pain" rather than "patient in pain." Document pertinent negatives. All medications administered must include drug name, dose, route, time, and patient response.

Workplace Applications

In daily practice, opqrst pain assessment is applied consistently according to facility protocols and current evidence-based guidelines. Competency is maintained through annual skills validation, continuing education, and quality improvement participation.

Assessment Techniques

Assessment techniques for opqrst pain assessment:

Glasgow Coma Scale

Components: Eye opening (1-4), Verbal response (1-5), Motor response (1-6). Scoring: 3-15, 8 or less = severe, 9-12 = moderate, 13-15 = mild

Cincinnati Stroke Scale

Components: Facial droop, Arm drift, Speech abnormality. Scoring: Any 1 positive = 72% probability of stroke

Step-by-Step Procedure

Protocol steps for opqrst pain assessment:

Spinal motion restriction: mechanism + neuro deficit or midline tenderness = full SMR with C-collar and long board

Safety Considerations

Field safety for opqrst pain assessment includes scene assessment before patient contact. Ensure BSI (body substance isolation) precautions are in place. PPE selection depends on the mechanism and suspected pathogens. Gloves are the minimum; add mask and eye protection for splash risk, N95 for airborne pathogens.

Never approach a scene involving hazardous materials, violence, or structural instability without proper resources and clearance from incident command.

Overview

Onset, Provocation/palliation, Quality, Radiation, Severity (1-10), Time. Systematic pain history framework. OPQRST mnemonic for pain assessment tested on EMT and Paramedic exams.

In prehospital assessment, respiratory rate reference range: adult 12-20 breaths/min, pediatric 25-50 (infant), 15-30 (child). Deviations from these norms guide treatment decisions in the field.