What should be the initial nursing action if a client reports pain following a surgical procedure?

When a client reports pain following a surgical procedure, the initial nursing action should be to assess the pain characteristics. This is crucial because understanding the type, location, intensity, duration, and quality of the pain will provide valuable information necessary for effective pain management. Assessing the characteristics of the pain helps in determining its potential causes and guides the nursing team in choosing an appropriate intervention, whether that's medication, comfort measures, or notifying the healthcare provider if the situation warrants.

Gathering this information can also help to establish a baseline for future assessments and to tailor pain management strategies to the individual client’s needs. Once a thorough assessment is conducted, the nursing staff can proceed with administering medications or implementing other interventions based on the assessment results. This systematic approach ensures that pain management is comprehensive and effective, ultimately contributing to the client's recovery and comfort following surgery.