The client calls the nursing station and requests pain medication. When the nurse enters the room with the narcotic medication, the nurse finds the client laughing and talking with visitors. Which...

The client calls the nursing station and requests pain medication. When the nurse enters the room with the narcotic medication, the nurse finds the client laughing and talking with visitors. Which action should the nurse implement first?

1. Administer the client’s prescribed pain medication.

2. Assess the client’s perception of pain on a 1–10 scale.

3. Wait until the visitors leave to administer any medication.

4. Check the MAR to see if there is a nonnarcotic medication ordered.