The nurse is assessing a client who has a history of kidney stones and returns to the clinic with flank pain. Which intervention should the nurse implement first?

A. Collect a urine sample and strain for granules or calculi. While urine collection and straining are important for diagnosing kidney stones, pain management is the priority. This step can be done after assessing the client’s pain level. B. Ask the client if he took any pain medication at home. Knowing whether the client has taken pain medication is useful, but it does not replace a thorough pain assessment. Determining the current pain level is the first step in guiding further interventions. C. Observe for nonverbal signs to measure pain intensity. Observing nonverbal cues can help assess pain, especially in non-communicative clients. However, a direct pain assessment using a validated scale is the most reliable way to quantify pain severity. D. Use a standard pain assessment questionnaire and scale. Assessing pain with a standardized tool helps determine its severity and guides appropriate interventions. Pain is a priority in kidney stone management, making this the first action the nurse should take.