The nurse is caring for the patient who is 1 day status post splenectomy. The patient complains of pain of a 3 on inspiration. What would be the most appropriate priority nursing intervention for this patient?

A. While monitoring for infection or complications is important, the immediate priority is managing pain to enable effective breathing and prevent respiratory complications. B. Pain management with opioids allows the patient to take deep breaths, cough, and ambulate safely, which is essential postoperatively to prevent atelectasis and pneumonia. C. Nebulizer treatments are not indicated unless the patient has underlying pulmonary conditions requiring bronchodilation. D. Heat or cold therapy may provide comfort for incision pain but does not address the risk of impaired ventilation due to pain on inspiration.