A client has returned to the unit following surgery. The nurse knows that which intervention will provide the most pain relief for the client?

Question

1. Offer pain relief before the client complains of pain
2. Wait until the client can describe the pain specifically
3. Assess the pain level every four hours around the clock
4. Allow the client to "sleep off" the anesthesia, and then offer pain medication

Answer 1

1. Offer pain relief before the client complains of pain

Rationale:
Anticipating a client's pain will ensure a more manageable pain experience than waiting until the client complains of pain. Pain management need to be implemented prior to the client describing specific postoperative pain, or "sleeping off" anesthesia. If the client is asleep, she should not be awakened simply to assess the pain every four hours unless there are other significant nonverbal signs during sleep that indicate the client is in pain. These can include grimacing, moaning, thrashing, or guarding of a surgical site.