A nurse is caring for a client who is postoperative following a total knee arthroplasty. The client reports a pain level of 6 on a scale from 0 to 10. Which of the following medications should the nurse administer?

A. Acetaminophen: Acetaminophen is an effective analgesic for mild to moderate pain but may not be sufficient for managing postoperative pain after a total knee arthroplasty, where moderate to severe pain is common. B. Ibuprofen: Ibuprofen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID. that can be used for pain, but it may not be the best choice for moderate to severe postoperative pain, as opioids are typically more effective for this type of pain. C. Celecoxib: Celecoxib is an NSAID, and like ibuprofen, it can be useful for managing pain, but for a postoperative pain level of 6, a stronger medication like an opioid may be more appropriate. D. Oxycodone: Oxycodone is an opioid analgesic, and it is typically used to manage moderate to severe pain, such as the pain a patient may experience after total knee arthroplasty. It would be the most appropriate choice for a pain level of 6 on a 0–10 scale.