A&Ox4
Medical abbreviation · Nursing
| Stands for | Alert and oriented times four |
|---|---|
| Categories | Medical |
A&Ox4 stands for Alert and oriented times four, a nursing abbreviation.
Orientation finding in which the patient knows person, place, time and situation, meaning why they are in hospital or what is happening. Many nursing programs and hospitals now use x4 as the standard for full orientation.
Example: Neuro check 0400: A&Ox4, speech clear, grips equal and strong.
Usage notes
Also written AOx4. Some sources define the fourth sphere as "event" or "purpose" rather than situation. Because units differ between x3 and x4 conventions, a patient charted A&Ox3 by one nurse and A&Ox4 by another may not have changed at all, so naming the spheres avoids confusion.
Related abbreviations
More nursing abbreviations
- A&Ox3 – Alert and oriented times three
- AAT – Activity as tolerated
- ADAT – Advance diet as tolerated
- ADPIE – Assessment, diagnosis, planning, implementation, evaluation
- amb – Ambulate (ambulatory)
- BCMA – Barcode medication administration
- BR – Bed rest
- BRP – Bathroom privileges
- BS – Blood sugar
- BSC – Bedside commode
- C&DB – Cough and deep breathe
- C/D/I – Clean, dry and intact
See all 90 nursing abbreviations →
This entry is for general education and is not medical advice. Abbreviation use varies between institutions; always confirm in context.