Pain Is Considered to Be the "Fifth Vital Sign

Pain is considered to be the "fifth vital sign." How does this principle affect patient care?

A) It ensures that pain assessment occurs on a regular basis for all patients.
B) It helps health care workers understand that experiencing pain can change heart rate and respiratory rate.
C) It helps health care workers to ensure that vital organ function is adequate before administering drugs to reduce pain.
D) It encourages health care providers to assess two parameters during patient contact to improve time management.