A nurse is caring for a client who is 4 hr 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?

A. Early postoperative (4 hours after total knee arthroplasty), the client is not typically encouraged to ambulate in the hallway immediately. While early mobilization is important to prevent complications such as venous thromboembolism, it is usually initiated later in a controlled manner with assistance and after ensuring adequate pain control, stability, and safety. At 4 hours post-op, this would be premature and may increase pain or risk of injury. B. Cold therapy (cryotherapy) is a highly effective nonpharmacological intervention after orthopedic surgery such as total knee arthroplasty. It helps reduce pain, decrease inflammation, minimize swelling, and improve comfort. It is especially appropriate for a mild pain level of 3/10 in the immediate postoperative period. C. Lidocaine gel is a topical anesthetic generally used for intact skin or mucous membranes and is not typically applied to fresh surgical incisions due to risk of impaired wound healing, infection, and lack of indication in postoperative orthopedic pain management. D. While TENS may be used for chronic or rehabilitative pain management in some orthopedic patients, it is not commonly initiated in the immediate postoperative period (4 hours post-op). The priority at this stage is rest, cold therapy, and pharmacologic pain control as needed, not electrical stimulation near a fresh surgical site.