A nurse is caring for a patient who recently had abdominal surgery and is experiencing severe pain. The patient’s blood pressure is 110/60 mmHg, and heart rate is 60 beats/min. Additionally, the patient does not appear to be in any distress. Which response by the nurse is most therapeutic?

Choice A reason: Offering narcotics immediately without assessing pain details or considering nonpharmacological options is not therapeutic. Pain management requires a tailored approach, evaluating pain characteristics and patient preferences, as narcotics carry risks like respiratory depression, especially post-surgery, necessitating cautious use. Choice B reason: Dismissing pain based on stable vitals is not therapeutic. Pain is subjective, and normal vitals (e.g., 110/60 mmHg, 60 bpm) don’t negate severe pain. This response invalidates the patient’s experience, potentially eroding trust and delaying effective pain management. Choice C reason: Stating the patient doesn’t look in pain is dismissive and non-therapeutic. Pain is subjective, and external appearance may not reflect internal experience, especially in stoic patients. This response risks undermining patient trust and delaying appropriate pain relief interventions. Choice D reason: Asking what the patient wants to try is therapeutic, promoting patient-centered care. It validates the patient’s pain, encourages shared decision-making, and considers both pharmacological and nonpharmacological options, optimizing pain relief while respecting patient autonomy and preferences post-surgery.