A nurse is caring for a client who delivered a newborn by cesarean birth 1 day ago. The client requests nonpharmacological interventions to manage pain when changing positions. Which of the following responses should the nurse make?

Postoperative pain management after a cesarean birth focuses on both pharmacological and nonpharmacological strategies to promote comfort and mobility while supporting healing. Early movement is encouraged to reduce complications such as thromboembolism and ileus, but it can increase incisional pain. Nonpharmacological techniques such as splinting help support the surgical site and reduce discomfort during activity. Proper teaching empowers the client to move safely while minimizing pain. Rationale: A. Splinting the incision with a pillow provides support to the abdominal muscles and reduces tension on the surgical site during movement. This technique helps decrease pain when coughing, turning, or changing positions. It promotes early mobilization while protecting the incision and enhancing comfort. B. Applying counterpressure to the back is not an appropriate intervention for cesarean incision pain management. Counterpressure is typically used during labor to relieve back pain from contractions, not postoperative abdominal pain. It does not address the client’s specific source of discomfort. C. Patterned-paced breathing is primarily used during labor to manage contraction pain and promote relaxation. Although it may help with general anxiety or discomfort, it is not an effective targeted intervention for incision-related postoperative pain. Physical support of the surgical site is more appropriate in this context. D. Limiting position changes is not recommended because early mobility is essential after cesarean birth. Prolonged immobility increases the risk of complications such as deep vein thrombosis, pneumonia, and delayed bowel function. Instead, clients should be encouraged to move with supportive techniques to reduce pain and promote recovery.