The PQRSTT mnemonic below is a useful tool in assessing pain:
- P Provokes/Point: What provokes or exacerbates the pain? What makes it better? Point to where you feel the pain.
- Q Quality: What does it feel like? Sharp? Dull? Stabbing? Burning? Crushing?
- R Radiation/Relief: Where is the pain? Where does it radiate? What relieves the pain?
- S Severity: Rate the pain's severity on a scale of 1 to 10 (or use another pain-rating scale, depending on the patient).
- T Time: When did the pain start? How long did it last?
- T Treatment: What treatment alleviates it?
- Is deep inspiration painful?
- Were you performing an activity at the onset of pain?
- Any prior history of pain? If so, is current pain the same as before or different?
- Any recent trauma?
- Any other symptoms associated with the pain, such as nausea and vomiting?
- Any effects on lifestyle, such as appetite, sleep, relationships, emotions, and work?
- Any medications or allergies?