In the PQRST pain assessment, what does the acronym stand for?

• A. Provocation/palliation, Quality, Region/radiation, Severity, Timing.
• B. Pain, Quality, Radius, Severity, Time.
• C. Physical activity, Quadrant, Response, Severity, Timing.
• D. Provocation, Quality, Radius, Severity, Time.

Answer: (B)

PQRST pain assessment uses five elements to gather a clear picture of the patient's pain and guide care. Provocation or palliation asks what triggers the pain or makes it better, which helps you identify possible causes and effective interventions. Quality describes the character of the pain—whether it feels sharp, dull, burning, or aching. Region or radiation notes where the pain is located and whether it radiates to other areas. Severity measures how intense the pain is, usually on a 0–10 scale. Timing covers when the pain began, how long it lasts, and how it changes over time. This framework helps you ask targeted questions and tailor treatment. The description that matches these five elements is the one that includes Provocation/palliation, Quality, Region/Radiation, Severity, and Timing; terms like starting with Pain or using Radius instead of Region aren’t consistent with the standard structure.