Question

a nurse is monitoring a client who is 2 hr postoperative and has a prescription for opioid analgesics. which of the following actions provides the nurse with the priority data to determine the clients need for analgesia? observe the client for signs of restlessness. monitor the client for facial grimacing. watch the client for indications of decreased mobility. ask the client to rate their pain level.

Explanation:

In nursing, the most reliable way to assess a client's pain (and thus their need for analgesia) is to ask the client to rate their pain level. Subjective pain reports from the client are prioritized over objective observations like restlessness, facial grimacing, or decreased mobility, as these can have other causes.

Answer:

D. Ask the client to rate their pain level.