An adult has returned to the nursing care unit following abdominal surgery. She has an order for meperidine IM PRN for severe pain or acetaminophen #3 PO PRN for mild to moderate pain. The nurse asks the client if she is experiencing pain now, and she states, 'Yes, I am.' What is the most appropriate initial action for the nurse?

D Reposition the client and help her perform some relaxation exercises to reduce her reliance on opioids B Administer the acetaminophen #3 because meperidine can be given if the acetaminophen does not relieve the pain A Administer the meperidine since she is less than 24 hours postop C Assess the client further as to the location and degree of pain using a pain scale