What actions should be taken if a postoperative patient complains of severe pain?

When a postoperative patient expresses severe pain, the appropriate response is to assess the pain level and administer prescribed analgesics. This approach is crucial for several reasons.

First, a thorough assessment of pain allows healthcare providers to understand the severity and nature of the patient's discomfort. This includes asking the patient to quantify their pain on a scale (such as 0 to 10) and identifying the specific characteristics of the pain (e.g., sharp, dull, throbbing). Such information is vital for formulating an effective pain management strategy.

Second, administering prescribed analgesics promptly addresses the patient's pain and helps in promoting comfort and recovery. Pain management is an essential component of postoperative care, as unrelieved pain can lead to complications such as increased heart rate, delayed healing, and respiratory issues. By ensuring that the patient receives the appropriate medication, healthcare providers can significantly improve the patient’s overall experience and facilitate a smoother recovery process.

While reassurance and documentation of the complaint are important, they do not address the immediate issue of pain management. Encouraging deep breathing can be beneficial for overall comfort and lung health but may not be sufficient for severe pain relief. Finally, immediately calling the physician may delay crucial pain management interventions that can be addressed by the nursing staff based