The practical nurse (PN) is explaining the use of an incentive spirometer to a postoperative client. The client asks the PN to administer an analgesic before using the spirometer. How should the PN respond?

A. Offer to reschedule the spirometer instruction for several hours later: Delaying instruction can increase the risk of postoperative complications such as atelectasis or pneumonia. Prompt pulmonary exercises are essential for recovery and should not be postponed unnecessarily. B. Provide an as needed (PRN) analgesic and then encourage use of the spirometer: Administering analgesia before using the incentive spirometer allows the client to take deep, effective breaths without excessive discomfort. This promotes optimal lung expansion, prevents complications, and supports pain management. C. Reassure the client that use of the incentive spirometer is not painful: While reassurance can reduce anxiety, it does not address the client’s actual pain. Ignoring the request for analgesia may lead to inadequate effort and ineffective pulmonary exercises. D. Encourage the client to use the spirometer before receiving analgesia: Using the spirometer without pain control may cause discomfort and reduce the client’s participation. Providing analgesia first ensures the client can perform the exercise correctly and safely.