The Nurse Is Caring for a Patient Who Is Recovering

The nurse is caring for a patient who is recovering from thoracotomy surgery and notes that the patient's pain is rated 9/10 and is unable to focus on anything. Which intervention by the nurse is the highest priority?

A) Administer prescribed IV pain medication and evaluate impact in 30 minutes.
B) Ask the patient to describe prior pain experiences and methods used to manage pain.
C) Explain that comfort is a priority goal of nursing care in the postoperative period.
D) Assist the patient to minimize the effects of pain on interpersonal relationships with family members.