What is the nurse's responsibility regarding postoperative pain management?

• A. To routinely administer pain medication regardless of patient reports
• B. To assess pain levels and implement appropriate pain relief interventions
• C. To encourage patients to ignore any pain to promote recovery
• D. To document pain levels without taking any action

Answer: (B)

The responsibility of the nurse regarding postoperative pain management primarily involves assessing the patient's pain levels and implementing appropriate interventions for pain relief. This means that the nurse must actively engage with the patient to determine the intensity and nature of their pain, using standardized pain scales or other assessment tools. Based on this assessment, the nurse can then tailor pain management strategies to meet the individual needs of the patient, which may include administering prescribed pain medications, suggesting non-pharmacological therapies (such as relaxation techniques or positioning), or working with other healthcare professionals to optimize pain control.

Effective pain management is crucial for facilitating recovery, preventing complications, and enhancing patient satisfaction. By proactively assessing and addressing pain, nurses play a key role in promoting healing and improving the overall patient experience in the postoperative setting.