If a patient rated their pain 4/10 and needs non-pharmacological pain relief measures, what is an appropriate action?

Offering distraction with entertainment options is an effective non-pharmacological approach to pain relief. When a patient rates their pain as moderate, a score of 4 out of 10 indicates they are experiencing discomfort but may not require immediate medication. Non-pharmacological methods such as distraction can help alleviate the perception of pain by redirecting the patient's focus away from their discomfort. Activities such as watching a movie, listening to music, or engaging in conversation can create a psychological diversion, helping to improve the patient's overall comfort without the need for medication.

In contrast to this approach, administering pain medication might not be necessary when the patient has indicated that their pain level is manageable. Performing a physical examination of the injury, although important for assessing the situation, does not directly address immediate pain relief. Checking for side effects of previous medications may be relevant if the patient has a history that necessitates careful medication management, but it is not a direct method of providing pain relief in the current context.