Postoperative Pain Management Goal for Cesarean Client

A postpartum nurse is assessing a client who is one day post-cesarean delivery. The nurse observes that the client has difficulty voiding and notes the pain rating is 7 out of 10 at the surgical site. Additionally, the client’s vital signs are stable with a blood pressure of 110/68 mmHg, pulse of 82 bpm, and temperature of 98.6°F.

The nurse understands that adequate pain management is crucial for recovery and can influence the voiding mechanism. The expected outcome for this client should include a pain rating of less than _______ and the ability to void spontaneously.