Standards of the Joint Commission state that pain is the fifth vital sign and should be documented by assessments of: (Select all that apply.)

A. While pupil response can be an indicator of consciousness, the primary concern when assessing pupils is to check for signs of increased intracranial pressure, such as unequal pupil size.
B. The shape of the pupil is important to assess, but the concern here is typically more about the size and response to light, which can indicate a neurological issue.
C. Unequal pupil sizes (anisocoria) can indicate neurological problems, such as increased intracranial pressure or brain injury, and requires further evaluation.
D. Pupil size changes could indicate a variety of issues, but the focus should be on detecting unequal pupils, which can be a critical sign in head injury patients.

A. Performing a quick focused assessment at the beginning of each shift allows the nurse to identify any immediate needs or changes in the patient's condition, ensuring timely and appropriate care. This practice helps in maintaining continuity of care and promptly addressing any issues that may arise during the shift.
B. While a comprehensive assessment is typically performed upon admission to the unit, a quick focused assessment is not specifically required at this time. The initial comprehensive assessment will cover all necessary information.
C. At discharge, the focus is on providing discharge instructions and ensuring the patient understands their care plan after leaving the facility. A quick focused assessment is not typically performed at this time.
D. While it is important to check on the patient in the morning, a quick focused assessment is not specifically required at this time. The beginning of each shift is a more critical time to perform this assessment to ensure continuity of care.