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?
Explanation & Rationale
Splinting the incision with a pillow when changing positions can provide support and help minimize discomfort and pain in clients who have undergone a cesarean birth. It can help reduce strain on the incision site and provide a sense of stability and comfort. "You can apply counterpressure to your back with each position change" may be helpful for managing back pain, but it does not specifically address the client's request for nonpharmacological interventions to manage pain when changing positions after a cesarean birth. "You should change positions as little as possible" is not an appropriate response as it does not address the client's need to manage pain when changing positions. Encouraging movement and position changes, along with appropriate support, can aid in recovery and prevent complications such as blood clots and respiratory issues. "You should use patterned-paced breathing when changing positions" is not specifically related to managing pain when changing positions after a cesarean birth. While breathing techniques can be useful for pain management during labor and certain procedures, it may not be the most effective strategy for managing pain when changing positions post-cesarean.