Pain Assessment (PQRST) — NCLEX Cheat Sheet
Pain is what the patient says it is
👤 By the CinnaRN Clinical Content Team
🕐 Updated 2026-07-11
🏷️ Basic Care & Comfort
🔖 Free to read, print, and share
Self-report is the gold standard. 1–3 mild · 4–6 moderate · 7–10 severe.
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Use this quick-reference guide to spot, treat, and prevent Pain Assessment (PQRST) on the NCLEX. Keep it handy during review and on exam day!
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- P — what Provokes / relieves it
- Q — Quality (sharp, dull, burning)
- R — Region & radiation
- S — Severity 0–10
- T — Timing / onset
- FLACC (infant), FACES (≥3 yr)
- PAINAD (dementia)
- Self-report = gold standard
✨Quick Tip
P — what Provokes / relieves it.
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