Pain as the fifth vital sign does not improve management.(Tips)

Publication: American Family Physician

Publication Date: 15-OCT-06

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COPYRIGHT 2006 American Academy of Family Physicians

Acute and chronic pain are common complaints but often are treated inadequately. It has been suggested, and even mandated in some settings, to include pain as a "fifth vital sign" based on the hypothesis that recording pain level would improve attention and lead to better management. Mularski and associates evaluated the difference in pain management before and after the implementation of pain as a fifth vital sign, and...

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