A patient who had abdominal surgery 5 days ago complains of…

A patient who had abdominal surgery 5 days ago complains of sharp, throbbing abdominal pain that ranks 9 on a scale of 0 (no pain) to 10 (worst pain). The patient’s pain rating has averaged at a 3/10 for the first 5 days postoperatively. Which of the following would be the nurse’s most appropriate action?