A nurse is caring for a client who is 4 hours postoperative following a total knee arthroplasty. The client reports a pain level of 3 on a scale from 0 to 10. Which of the following nonpharmacological pain management therapies should the nurse recommend?

Choice A reason: TENS units are effective for chronic pain but less practical 4 hours post-knee arthroplasty due to incision sensitivity; cold packs reduce swelling. Assuming TENS is ideal risks discomfort, critical to avoid in early postoperative pain management, ensuring comfort in acute recovery phases. Choice B reason: Walking 4 hours post-knee arthroplasty is premature, risking strain or bleeding; cold packs are safer. Assuming walking is appropriate risks complications, critical to prevent in early postoperative care, ensuring pain relief and surgical site protection in clients recovering from knee surgery. Choice C reason: Lidocaine gel is pharmacological, not nonpharmacological, and inappropriate near fresh incisions; cold packs are correct. Assuming gel is nonpharmacological risks misapplication, potentially causing irritation, critical to avoid in ensuring safe, nonpharmacological pain relief in early post-knee arthroplasty recovery. Choice D reason: Placing a cold pack reduces swelling and pain 4 hours post-knee arthroplasty, a safe nonpharmacological therapy promoting comfort. This is critical for early recovery, minimizing inflammation, supporting healing, and ensuring effective pain management without medications in clients post-total knee arthroplasty.