A client with stage IV bone cancer is admitted to the hospital for pain control. The client verbalizes continuous, severe pain rated 8 on a 0 to 10 scale. Which intervention should the nurse implement?

Choice A reason: Education on narcotic dependency is important but not the priority when the client is experiencing severe pain. Immediate relief is the focus. Choice B reason: Waiting until pain reaches a score of 10 before giving maximum dosage is inappropriate and may lead to unnecessary suffering. Pain should be managed proactively. Choice C reason: Alternating IV and IM routes may be useful in some contexts but does not enhance analgesic efficacy or address multimodal pain pathways. Choice D reason: Combining opioid and non-opioid medications targets different pain mechanisms, improves pain control, and may reduce opioid requirements. This is the most effective and evidence-based approach for managing severe cancer pain.