What it means
In symptom assessment, the onset is when and how a problem began: sudden or gradual, and what the person was doing. It is the "O" in pain assessment tools such as OLDCARTS and PQRST. In pharmacology, the onset of action is the time from giving a drug until it starts working. Onset, peak (strongest effect) and duration (how long it lasts) are key for drugs such as insulin.
For the nurse
Record the exact time a symptom began, such as for stroke symptoms, as treatment choices depend on it. Plan a meal around the onset of rapid-acting insulin.
In a chart
"Onset of right-sided weakness 1350; last known well 1330."
At a glance
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Related terms
insulin
A hormone made by the pancreas that lets the body's cells take in glucose, also made as a medicine.
PRN
As needed: an order for a drug or treatment to be given only when the client needs it, within set limits.
stroke
Sudden damage to part of the brain because its blood supply is blocked or a blood vessel in it bursts.