Pain is a significant national health problem which is the most common reason people seek out medical care. Poorly treated pain is a major concern for the million of Americans currently suffering with pain. Pain management has become the focus of several regulatory organizations. The American Pain Society created the phrase "Pain, the Fifth Vital Sign," and promoted the need for increased awareness of pain management among healthcare providers (Lafleur, 2004). Pulse, blood pressure, core temperature, and respiration were once the basic vital signs now pain has been added. …
