The nurse observes that there are reddened areas on the cheekbones of a client receiving oxygen per nasal cannula at 3 L/minute, and the client's oxygen saturation level is 92%. Which intervention would the nurse implement?

Choice A: Reassess the client and the level of pain is the correct intervention because it helps the nurse evaluate the effectiveness of the medication and plan further actions. The nurse should use a valid and reliable pain scale and check for any signs of adverse effects or complications.
Choice B: Tell the client the medication needs more time to work is not a correct intervention because it may dismiss the client’s pain and delay appropriate treatment. The nurse should acknowledge the client’s pain and explain the expected onset and duration of the medication.
Choice C: Ask the UAP to offer a backrub to the client is not a correct intervention because it may not be sufficient or appropriate for the client’s pain. The nurse should assess the client’s pain before delegating any nonpharmacological interventions to the UAP.
Choice D: Encourage the client to focus on taking deep breaths is not a correct intervention because it may not be effective or feasible for the client’s pain. The nurse should assess the client’s pain and offer other complementary therapies that are suitable and acceptable for the client.

Choice A Reason: This is incorrect because contacting the healthcare provider about the frequency of pain medication is a dependent intervention that requires an order from the provider. The nurse should first use independent interventions such as reviewing available prescriptions or providing non-pharmacological measures.

Choice B Reason: This is incorrect because encouraging the client to allow more time for the medication to work can imply that the nurse does not believe or validate the client's report of pain. It also can delay effective pain relief and increase suffering.

Choice C Reason: This is correct because reviewing the medical record for additional pain medication prescriptions can help identify alternative or adjunctive options for pain management, such as breakthrough doses, rescue doses, or non-opioid analgesics.

Choice D Reason: This is incorrect because administering an additional dose of morphine sulfate 0.2 mg intravenously can cause overdose, respiratory depression, or addiction. The nurse should follow the prescribed dosage, route, and interval of administration and monitor for adverse effects.