Which statement correctly describes the OPQRSTUV components for pain assessment?

• A. Onset, Location, Quality, Duration
• B. Severity, Time, Use, Values
• C. Severity, Timing, You, Values
• D. Intensity, Timing, You, Values

Answer: (C)

OPQRSTUV is a pain assessment framework that guides you to gather a complete picture: Onset, Provocation/Palliation, Quality, Region/Radiation, Severity, Timing, Understanding, and Values. The statement that fits the mnemonic’s last parts is that the components after the first four describe how severe the pain is, how long or how often it occurs, and what the patient understands about it and what outcomes matter to them. In other words, the last four elements are Severity, Timing, Understanding, and Values. The “You” in the option is a stand‑in for Understanding, and the final piece reflects the patient’s goals or values. This emphasis on S, T, U, and V helps ensure the clinician not only measures pain intensity and pattern but also aligns treatment with the patient’s perspective and goals.