The nurse is caring for a client who is still experiencing light sedation after undergoing an emergency colectomy for bowel obstruction. Which postoperative pain intervention should the nurse implement first?

Choice A reason: Whole milk and ice cream are high in fat, which can trigger the inflammation of the gallbladder (cholecystitis) and the formation of gallstones. The client should avoid foods that are high in fat, such as fried foods, cheese, butter, cream, and fatty meats.

Choice B reason: Citrus fruit and melon with a salt substitute are not a problem for a client with cholecystitis, unless they have other conditions that require dietary modifications, such as diabetes or kidney disease. The client should eat a balanced diet that includes fruits, vegetables, grains, and lean proteins.

Choice C reason: Pasta with herbal butter and no meat sauce is also acceptable for a client with cholecystitis, as long as the butter is used sparingly and the pasta is not cooked with oil or cheese. The client should limit the intake of refined carbohydrates, such as white bread, rice, and sugar, and choose whole grains instead.

Choice D reason: Canned vegetables with additional table salt are not recommended for a client with cholecystitis, because they are high in sodium, which can increase the risk of fluid retention and hypertension. The client should reduce the intake of salt and processed foods, such as canned soups, sauces, and snacks, and use herbs and spices to flavor the food.

Choice A reason: Providing the first medication prescribed for pain management is the best intervention that the nurse can implement first, because it can prevent the escalation of pain and reduce the need for higher doses later. The nurse should follow the principles of pain management, such as administering analgesics before pain becomes severe, using a multimodal approach, and individualizing the plan of care.

Choice B reason: Reviewing medical records to obtain pain tolerance expectations is not a priority intervention that the nurse should implement first, because it may not reflect the current pain level or needs of the client. Pain tolerance is influenced by many factors, such as culture, age, gender, and previous experiences, and it may vary from person to person and from situation to situation.

Choice C reason: Waiting until the client is awake before providing pain management is not a recommended intervention that the nurse should implement first, because it can lead to inadequate pain relief and delayed recovery. The nurse should not assume that the client is not in pain because of sedation, but should use other indicators, such as vital signs, facial expressions, and body movements, to assess pain.

Choice D reason: Attempting to obtain a self-report of pain level from the client is not a feasible intervention that the nurse should implement first, because the client may not be able to respond due to sedation. The nurse should use a valid and reliable pain assessment tool that is appropriate for the client's condition, such as the Behavioral Pain Scale (BPS) or the Critical-Care Pain Observation Tool (CPOT), to measure pain.