Which nursing action should be prioritized for a client describing severe post-surgical pain?

Administering prescribed pain medication should be prioritized for a client describing severe post-surgical pain because effective pain management is critical for recovery. Severe pain can hinder a patient's ability to participate in recovery activities such as ambulation, wound care, or even fluid intake. When pain is not adequately controlled, it may lead to complications such as prolonged immobility, increased stress levels, and delayed healing.

Prioritizing pain management fosters comfort, enhances cooperation with medical staff, and encourages the patient to engage in necessary recovery activities. This action aligns with the principle of addressing the patient's most immediate and distressing concern, thereby creating a foundation for more effective overall care.

Encouraging ambulation, increasing fluids, and performing wound care, while important aspects of post-operative recovery, can be effectively carried out only if the patient is adequately relieved of pain. Therefore, addressing the severe pain first sets the stage for holistic recovery.