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What does the mnemonic SOCRATES stand for in pain history taking?

SOCRATES is a mnemonic for taking a pain history: Site, Onset, Character, Radiation, Associations, Timing, Exacerbating and relieving factors, and Severity. Each of these elements should be documented in the history of the presenting complaint.

Key points

  • S stands for Site.
  • O stands for Onset.
  • C stands for Character.
  • R stands for Radiation.
  • A stands for Associations.
  • T stands for Timing.
  • E stands for Exacerbating and relieving factors.
  • S stands for Severity.
Source:Health Assessment for Nursing Practice· Assessment of Vital Signs and Body Measurements· p. 107–115

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