What is the purpose of declaring pain to be the "fifth vital sign"?

A. Ensuring that pain assessment occurs on a regular basis for all clients
B. Acknowledging that the experience of pain influences the functions of heart rate and respiration
C. Determining that vital organ function is adequate before administering medica-tions to reduce pain
D. Encouraging nurses to assess two parameters at one client interaction to make better use of the nurses' time


A
Pain is a common client problem in all settings. Unrelieved or undertreated pain remains a major yet avoidable health problem. More frequent and more accurate assessment can contribute to better pain management. Making pain assessment the "fifth vital sign," an ongoing recognition of the presence of pain and the client's actual responses to interventions, increases the likelihood of appropriate pain management.

Nursing

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