Question

a nurse is planning to administer pain medication to a client who has postoperative pain following abdominal surgery. which of the following actions should the nurse take first? use the pain scale to determine the clients pain level. discuss the adverse effects of pain medication with the client. obtain the clients vital signs. check the clients allergies.

Explanation:

Before administering any medication, the most crucial first - step is to check for allergies to avoid potentially life - threatening allergic reactions. While determining pain level, discussing adverse effects, and obtaining vital signs are important steps in the overall process of pain management, ensuring the client's safety by checking for allergies takes precedence.

Answer:

Check the client's allergies.