alert and oriented

== English == === Alternative forms === A&O === Phrase === alert and oriented (medicine) A medical notation commonly used in emergency situations or with dementia patients when assessing a person's level of consciousness and awareness, providing a first impression as to whether a person is cognitively impaired or able to make decisions for themselves; can be determined in tandem with an A&O assessment. Synonym: conscious and oriented Coordinate term: A&O assessment Hyponyms: alert and oriented x1, alert and oriented x2, alert and oriented x3, alert and oriented x4 === Further reading === 2025. Heerema, Esther. "What 'Alert and Oriented' Means in Emergency and Dementia Care" verywellhealth.com.