OPQRST QUESTIONS GENERAL AND
SPECIFIC FOR MEDICAL
EMERGENCIES. EXAM QUESTIONS
AND ANSWERS 2026 VERIFIED.
Onset - ANS What were you doing when the symptoms started? Was it sudden or gradual?
Provocation/Palliation - ANS Does anything make the symptoms better or worse?
Quality - ANS What does the symptom feel like? (e.g., sharp, dull, crushing, throbbing?)
Region/Radiation - ANS Where do you feel it? Does it move or stay in one spot?
Severity - ANS On a scale of 0 to 10, how would you rate your discomfort?
Timing - ANS Is the symptom constant, or does it come and go? How long does it last?
Respiratory Emergencies - Onset - ANS Did the shortness of breath begin suddenly or
gradually?
Respiratory Emergencies - Provocation/Palliation - ANS What makes the shortness of breath
better or worse? (e.g., 'Are you able to sleep lying flat?' 'Does exertion make it worse?')
@COPYRIGHT ALL RIGHTS RESERVED PAGE 1 OF 4
SPECIFIC FOR MEDICAL
EMERGENCIES. EXAM QUESTIONS
AND ANSWERS 2026 VERIFIED.
Onset - ANS What were you doing when the symptoms started? Was it sudden or gradual?
Provocation/Palliation - ANS Does anything make the symptoms better or worse?
Quality - ANS What does the symptom feel like? (e.g., sharp, dull, crushing, throbbing?)
Region/Radiation - ANS Where do you feel it? Does it move or stay in one spot?
Severity - ANS On a scale of 0 to 10, how would you rate your discomfort?
Timing - ANS Is the symptom constant, or does it come and go? How long does it last?
Respiratory Emergencies - Onset - ANS Did the shortness of breath begin suddenly or
gradually?
Respiratory Emergencies - Provocation/Palliation - ANS What makes the shortness of breath
better or worse? (e.g., 'Are you able to sleep lying flat?' 'Does exertion make it worse?')
@COPYRIGHT ALL RIGHTS RESERVED PAGE 1 OF 4