What is indicated by the letter P in the AVPU scale?

The letter P in the AVPU scale stands for "Painful response." The AVPU scale is a method used to assess a patient's level of consciousness in emergencies. It categorizes responses into four levels: Alert, Verbal, Painful, and Unresponsive. When assessing a patient's level of consciousness, if they do not respond to verbal stimuli, a medic might apply a painful stimulus—such as a gentle pinch or rubbing the sternum—to assess their reaction. A painful response indicates that the patient is not fully alert or responsive but may exhibit a reaction to painful stimuli, which is critical information for further medical evaluation and treatment. This approach helps to gauge the severity of the patient's condition and the potential need for immediate medical intervention.