A nurse is caring for a postoperative client who is awake, alert, and oriented. Which of the following methods should the nurse use as part of her pain management interventions to determine the intensity of the client's pain?

Choice A rationale:

Visual observation for nonverbal signs of pain can be useful, especially in patients who are unable to communicate verbally. However, this method is not as accurate or reliable as obtaining the client's self-report of pain severity, which directly allows the patient to express their experience.

Choice B rationale:

Vital sign measurement, such as heart rate, blood pressure, and respiratory rate, can provide indirect information about a patient's pain level. However, vital signs can be influenced by various factors, including anxiety or other physiological responses. They may not always accurately reflect the intensity of pain and are not as specific as the client's self-report.

Choice C rationale:

The client's self-report of pain severity is the most reliable and accurate method for determining the intensity of pain. Pain is a subjective experience, and the client's self-report is crucial for effective pain management. Pain scales, such as numeric rating scales or visual analog scales, allow clients to describe their pain intensity in a standardized way.

Choice D rationale:

The nature and invasiveness of the surgical procedure are relevant factors to consider in understanding a patient's potential pain experience. However, this information alone is not sufficient for determining the current intensity of the client's pain. Pain levels can vary among individuals undergoing the same procedure due to differences in pain tolerance and perception.

Choice A rationale:

Love and belonging. Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs outlines a pyramid of human needs, starting from basic physiological needs at the bottom and progressing to higher-level psychological and self-fulfillment needs. Love and belonging are higher-level needs, and individuals typically address them after their basic physiological needs are met. Basic needs like food, water, and shelter take precedence over higher-level emotional needs. In this case, the client's most immediate need would be to satisfy their hunger and thirst.

Choice B rationale:

Psychological security. Psychological security is another higher-level need related to safety and a sense of protection. While it is important, it is not the most immediate need according to Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs. The client would prioritize fulfilling their basic physiological needs before seeking psychological security.

Choice C rationale:

Self-actualization. Self-actualization is the highest level of need in Maslow's Hierarchy, encompassing personal growth, fulfillment, and achieving one's potential. It is a need that individuals pursue once their lower-level needs are satisfied. Since the question pertains to the first need the client would seek to meet, self-actualization is not the correct answer.

Choice D rationale:

Food and water. Food and water are fundamental physiological needs that form the base of Maslow's Hierarchy. These needs must be met before an individual can move on to addressing higher-level needs. Without addressing the need for sustenance, the client's ability to seek love, belonging, security, or self-actualization would be compromised.