After gynecologic surgery, if a client reports incisional pain, what should be the nurse's first action?

In this scenario, the nurse's first action should be to ask the client to rate her pain on a scale from 0 to 10. This step is crucial because it allows the nurse to assess the severity of the pain, which is an essential component of effective pain management. Understanding the intensity of the client's pain enables the healthcare provider to make informed decisions regarding the appropriate interventions.

By assessing the pain level, the nurse can determine if the existing pain management strategies are adequate or if additional interventions, such as medication or comfort measures, are necessary. This assessment also aids in monitoring the client's condition over time and helps in evaluating the effectiveness of the prescribed treatments.

Addressing pain management based on a subjective pain assessment prioritizes the patient's experience and can contribute significantly to their recovery and overall comfort following surgery.