When using the A + O scale, what does "A + O x 1" assess?

The A + O scale, commonly known as the Alert and Oriented scale, is a tool used in assessing a person's mental status by determining their orientation in various aspects.

When someone is described as "A + O x 1", it specifically means that the individual is oriented to one aspect of their environment. In this case, that aspect is typically their identity or who they are. This level of orientation confirms that the person knows who they are, but it does not imply awareness of their location, the time, or the events leading up to their current condition.

The broader scales, such as "A + O x 2" or "A + O x 3", would assess additional factors, such as location or time, indicating levels of orientation beyond simply knowing one's identity. Thus, "A + O x 1" focuses specifically on the individual's awareness of who they are, making that the correct interpretation for this scale.