A nurse is assisting with the care of a client who is receiving a PCA pump following a hysterectomy. Which of the following findings should the nurse identify as an indicator of unrelieved pain?

Choice A Reason: Urinary retention can be a side effect of opioids used in PCA, but it is not a direct indicator of unrelieved pain. Choice B Reason: Constipation is a potential side effect of opioid medications, but it does not directly indicate unrelieved pain. Choice C Reason: Difficulty swallowing is not a typical indicator of unrelieved pain but may be related to other factors such as postoperative effects or medication side effects. Choice D Reason: Clenched teeth can be an indicator of unrelieved pain in a client receiving patient-controlled analgesia (PCA). It suggests that the client is experiencing discomfort and may be trying to endure the pain rather than using the PCA pump to self-administer pain relief. Clients who are in pain may clench their teeth as a response to pain or discomfort.