A nurse is caring for a client who is 2 days postoperative following abdominal surgery and has a prescription for opioid analgesia. Which of the following actions should the nurse implement to help facilitate the client's recovery?

A. Provide analgesic medication prior to physical activities: Administering opioids before ambulation or physical therapy helps control pain, allowing the client to participate in activities that prevent complications such as atelectasis, venous thromboembolism, and delayed mobility. This approach supports recovery and promotes functional independence. B. Administer naloxone if the client's respiratory rate is greater than 24/min.: Naloxone is used to reverse opioid-induced respiratory depression, which occurs at low respiratory rates, not elevated rates. A respiratory rate above 24/min may indicate pain, anxiety, or other issues, but it does not warrant naloxone administration. C. Inform the client to monitor for loose stools while taking opioid analgesia: Opioids commonly cause constipation rather than diarrhea. Clients should be advised to monitor for constipation and use preventive measures such as adequate hydration, dietary fiber, or stool softeners. D. Withhold analgesic medication unless the client reports pain: Waiting for the client to report pain can allow pain to become severe, making it harder to manage and potentially limiting mobility. Scheduled or pre-activity dosing is preferred to maintain comfort and facilitate recovery.