Which intervention can best help a patient manage pain post-surgery successfully?

Administering analgesics as prescribed is an effective intervention for managing post-surgical pain because it directly addresses the patient’s discomfort through medication specifically designed to alleviate pain. Analgesics, such as opioids or non-opioid medications, work by blocking pain signals in the nervous system, helping to reduce the intensity of pain experienced by the patient. This approach allows the patient to engage in necessary activities, such as rehabilitation and mobility exercises, while mitigating the distress caused by pain.

In the context of post-surgery recovery, effective pain management is crucial not only for comfort but also for promoting mobility and preventing complications associated with prolonged immobility, such as thromboembolism. When analgesics are administered appropriately, patients are more likely to adhere to post-operative care plans, including following through with physical therapy and other recommended activities to enhance healing.

Other interventions, such as distraction techniques or increasing mobility immediately, can be helpful as adjuncts to pain management but do not replace the primary need for effective pain relief through medications. Distraction can be beneficial in managing pain perception, but it does not eliminate the underlying problem. Therefore, it is typically not sufficient as a stand-alone strategy, especially in the immediate post-operative period when pain levels can be high.