What should the nurse do if a 15-year-old postoperative adolescent reports a pain level of 10 after receiving analgesia?

When a 15-year-old postoperative adolescent reports a pain level of 10 despite having received analgesia, it's critical for the nurse to act promptly to address the patient's unmanaged pain. Requesting that the health care provider evaluate the need for additional medication is a responsible action, especially when the pain reported is at the highest level on the scale.

This response indicates that the current analgesia is insufficient and suggests that a reassessment of the pain management plan is warranted. The nurse is advocating for the adolescent's well-being by ensuring that the healthcare provider is aware of the severe pain, which may require adjustments to the medication dose or the administration of a different analgesic altogether.

In cases of severe pain after surgery, it is important to not solely rely on the prior medication orders; the situation may warrant a reevaluation to ensure the patient's comfort and recovery. Addressing the adolescent's pain effectively demonstrates an understanding of the critical role that pain management plays in postoperative care.