A patient reports persistent pain despite ongoing comfort measures. What is the best initial action for the nurse?

• A. Reassess the pain and administer analgesic as ordered
• B. Ignore the request and observe
• C. Tell the patient to try to sleep
• D. Increase the room temperature

Answer: (A)

Relieving pain promptly is essential. When a patient reports persistent pain despite ongoing comfort measures, the nurse should reassess the pain and administer analgesic as ordered. Reassessment confirms the current pain intensity, location, quality, and factors affecting it, and verifies the exact analgesic plan—drug, dose, route, and timing—while checking for allergies or contraindications. After giving the medication as prescribed, monitor the patient’s response and any side effects, then reassess the pain after the expected onset to determine if further treatment is needed. Ignoring the request, telling the patient to sleep, or adjusting the room temperature don’t address the pain and can delay relief.