The nurse notices a client grimacing while moving from the bed to a chair, but when asked about the pain the client denies having any pain. Which intervention should the nurse implement first?

The nurse should first clarify the discrepancy between the nonverbal cue (grimacing) and the client's verbal denial of pain. The client may be reluctant to report pain or may be experiencing discomfort that is not labeled as "pain." Asking an open-ended question allows the client to explain the grimacing, which could be due to pain, stiffness, or another cause. Administering medication without assessment is unsafe. Monitoring behavior and reviewing medications are appropriate but secondary to direct communication.