The PQRST mnemonic. Where P stands for provokes. What provoked the pain? What makes it worse? What makes it better? Did the pain occur at rest or during exertion? Did the pain wake the patient up? Q for quality. This could be sharp, dull, squeezing, a slight pressure, a burning or aching pain, a pounding pain, colic-like or cramping, or a stabbing pain. R for radiates. Does the pain move anywhere? Ask the patient to point to anywhere they feel pain. S for severity. Ask the patient to rate the pa