A nurse is caring for a 68-year-old client on postoperative…
A nurse is caring for a 68-year-old client on postoperative day 1 following an open cholecystectomy. The client reports incisional pain rated 7/10 and is reluctant to use the incentive spirometer, stating, “It hurts too much to take a deep breath.” Vital signs: T 100.8°F (38.2°C), HR 104, RR 24, BP 138/82, SpO₂ 93% on 2 L nasal cannula. Which action should the nurse take first?