Which vital sign is often referred to as the "fifth vital sign"?

The designation of pain level assessment as the "fifth vital sign" stems from a growing recognition of the importance of assessing pain as an essential component of a patient's overall health status. While traditional vital signs—like temperature, pulse, respiration, and blood pressure—provide critical information about physiological functioning, pain is a subjective experience that can significantly impact a person's well-being.

Monitoring pain is crucial because it can influence other vital signs and overall health outcomes. Pain assessment enables healthcare professionals to tailor interventions more effectively and improve patient comfort, satisfaction, and recovery. Given its significance in clinical practice, many healthcare organizations have adopted the concept of pain as the "fifth vital sign" to emphasize its importance in patient evaluations and treatment plans. This approach leads to better pain management strategies and ultimately enhances patient care.