RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 Cancer pain: How to measure the fifth vital sign
JF Cleveland Clinic Journal of Medicine
JO Cleve Clin J Med
FD Cleveland Clinic
SP 625
OP 632
VO 71
IS 8
A1 Davis, Mellar P.
A1 Walsh, Declan
YR 2004
UL http://www.ccjm.org/content/71/8/625.abstract
AB Pain assessment is essential to good pain management and quality assurance. A pain-rating scale should be used, in combination with a thorough history and a general physical examination. Radiologic studies are an ancillary component rather than a substitute for this process. Outpatient pain diaries and hospital recordings of pain severity with the vital signs facilitate communication. Part of the goal should be to improve function and quality of life.