A nurse is caring for a client who is 1 day postoperative following gynecologic surgery and reports incisional pain. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?

Choice A reason: The first step in pain management is always assessment. Asking the client to rate her pain on a scale from 0 to 10 provides a measurable, subjective report that guides the nurse in selecting appropriate interventions. This aligns with the nursing process, where assessment precedes planning and implementation. It also helps determine the severity, location, and nature of the pain, which is essential for safe and effective treatment. Choice B reason: Repositioning and offering a back rub are non-pharmacologic comfort measures that may help with mild discomfort but are not appropriate as the first response to a report of incisional pain. Without assessing the intensity and characteristics of the pain, these interventions may be inadequate or even inappropriate. Choice C reason: Determining the time of the last pain medication is important for safe administration of analgesics, but it should follow a thorough pain assessment. Administering medication without understanding the current pain level could lead to under- or overtreatment. Choice D reason: Measuring vital signs is important in evaluating for complications such as infection or hemodynamic instability. However, in the context of a client reporting pain, the priority is to assess the pain itself. Vital signs may be taken afterward to support clinical decision-making, especially if the pain is severe or accompanied by other symptoms.