Orientation
Orientation (medical)
Orientation (/ˌɔːriːɛnˈteɪʃən/; from Latin orientare, "to set, to arrange, to direct, to guide") in the medical field refers to a person's awareness of their environment and their ability to understand their situation. It is a fundamental aspect of a patient's cognitive function and is often assessed during a neurological examination.
Definition
In medicine, orientation is divided into three categories: orientation to person, orientation to place, and orientation to time. A person is considered "oriented times three" if they are aware of who they are, where they are, and what time it is. This is often abbreviated as "Ox3" in medical notation.
Assessment
Orientation is typically assessed during a mental status examination, which is a key part of any comprehensive physical examination. The patient is asked questions to determine their awareness of their own identity, their location, and the current date and time. Disorientation may be a sign of a variety of medical conditions, including delirium, dementia, or brain injury.
Related Terms
- Delirium: An acute, often reversible, state of confusion and disorientation.
- Dementia: A chronic or persistent disorder of mental processes due to brain disease or injury, marked by memory disorders, personality changes, and impaired reasoning.
- Brain Injury: Any injury occurring in the brain of a living organism, often resulting in permanent damage and loss of cognitive abilities, including orientation.
Etymology
The term "orientation" comes from the Latin orientare, which means "to set, to arrange, to direct, to guide". In the medical context, it refers to a person's ability to understand and navigate their environment.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Orientation
- Wikipedia's article - Orientation
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