alert and oriented x 3. Clinical shorthand for the findings in a physical examination of the patient by a healthcare worker, referring to a patient who is responsive to his or her environment (alert), and knows who he or she is, where he or she is, and the approximate time.linical shorthand for the findings in a physical examination of the patient by a healthcare worker, referring to a patient who is responsive to his or her environment (alert), and knows who he or she is, where he or she is, and the approximate time.