Alert and Oriented

 

A&O ×4 = person + place + time + situation (understands why they are there and what is happening).

A&O ×1 = only recognizes self.

A&O ×2 = recognizes self and place, but not time.

A&O ×3= recognizes time place, person 

A&O ×0 = not oriented.

A&O ×3 means Alert and Oriented ×3.

The patient is:

1. Person – knows who they are (name/identity)
2. Place – knows where they are (hospital, clinic, home, etc.)
3. Time – knows the date/day/year or general time

It means the patient is awake, aware, and correctly answers three orientation questions.

Example nursing note:

Pt A&O ×3, follows commands, no acute distress.

Meaning:

The patient is awake and can identify self, location, and time.

A&O ×4 adds one more:
4. Situation – understands why they are receiving care (for example, “I am here because I had chest pain”).

Note: Some facilities use A&O ×4 routinely, while others document ×3 if they do not include situation as a