A client with lung cancer and bone metastasis is grimacing and states, "I am a little uncomfortable. May I please have something for pain? Which nursing intervention should be taken before administering the pain medication?

Rationale: A. Before administering pain medication, the nurse must assess the client’s pain to determine its intensity, location, and characteristics. Using a standardized pain rating scale ensures accurate dosing, helps evaluate the effectiveness of interventions, and prevents under- or over-medication. Pain assessment is considered the first and essential step in pain management. B. Nonpharmacologic methods like distraction can help manage pain, but they do not replace the need for a proper pain assessment before administering medication. These techniques are complementary interventions, not a substitute for assessment. C. Administering medication without assessing the pain level is unsafe. It can lead to inappropriate dosing, ineffective pain relief, or adverse effects. Proper assessment guides safe and effective pain management. D. Relaxation techniques may be helpful as adjunctive pain management, but they should not precede pain assessment. Accurate assessment is necessary to determine if pharmacologic intervention is needed and at what dose.