Which factor is NOT included in the OLD CARTS mnemonic?

The OLD CARTS mnemonic is a commonly used tool in clinical settings to gather relevant information about a patient's symptoms. The components of this mnemonic represent key aspects of presenting symptoms:

• "O" for Onset,

• "L" for Location,

• "D" for Duration,

• "C" for Character,

• "A" for Aggravating factors,

• "R" for Relieving factors,

• "T" for Timing,

• "S" for Severity.

Each of these components helps healthcare providers systematically assess and document a patient's condition.

Among the options given, side effects do not form a part of the OLD CARTS mnemonic. While side effects are an important consideration in patient care, especially in relation to medications or treatments, they do not fall within the framework of assessing the specifics of the patient's current symptoms as outlined by OLD CARTS. This mnemonic focuses primarily on understanding the characteristics and impacts of the present complaint, rather than the secondary complications or side outcomes associated with treatments or medications.