The nurse is administering pain medication for several patients. Which patient does the nurse administer medication to first?

Choice A reason: Replacing a PCA syringe ensures continued pain control but is less urgent than acute severe pain. PCA systems often have residual medication, allowing a brief delay without compromising pain management, so this is not the priority. Choice B reason: Pre-medicating before walking prevents pain exacerbation but is less critical than addressing existing severe pain. Scheduled mobility can be delayed slightly to prioritize acute needs, making this a lower priority intervention. Choice C reason: A patient with 8/10 pain and an immediate order indicates acute, severe distress requiring urgent intervention. Severe pain can elevate stress hormones, heart rate, and blood pressure, necessitating prompt medication to stabilize the patient and alleviate suffering. Choice D reason: Scheduled maintenance medication maintains baseline pain control but is not urgent compared to acute 8/10 pain. Delaying a scheduled dose briefly is less likely to cause harm than untreated severe pain, making this a lower priority.