OPQRSTUV stands for which expansion?

• A. Onset, Provocation/Palliation, Quality, Region/Radiation, Severity, Timing, You, Values
• B. Onset, Provocation, Quality, Region/Radiation, Severity, Timing, You, Values
• C. Onset, Provocation/Palliation, Quality, Region, Severity, Timing, You, Values
• D. Onset, Provocation/Palliation, Quickness, Region/Radiation, Severity, Timing, You, Values

Answer: (A)

Using the OPQRSTUV mnemonic to evaluate pain ensures you capture a full, patient-centered description of the experience. Onset tells when the pain began, which helps distinguish acute from chronic pain and can point to possible triggers. Provocation or Palliation asks what makes the pain worse or better, guiding both the likely mechanism and the best intervention. Quality describes how the pain feels (sharp, dull, burning, throbbing), which can hint at different types of pain and potential neuropathic involvement. Region or Radiation identifies where the pain is and whether it spreads to other areas, aiding localization and differential diagnosis. Severity provides the intensity of the pain, often using a numeric scale to monitor changes over time. Timing covers how long the pain lasts, how often it occurs, and its pattern, which informs treatment planning and prognosis. You emphasizes how pain affects the patient’s daily functioning, mood, sleep, and overall quality of life. Values brings in the patient’s goals, preferences, and concerns about treatment, supporting shared decision-making and personalized care. Together, these elements give a comprehensive framework for understanding pain and guiding management. Variants that omit palliation, alter timing terminology, or skip the impact on function and patient goals miss important aspects of the patient’s experience and the therapeutic planning it informs.