What should a nurse do immediately when a client reports severe pain after cataract surgery?

When a client reports severe pain after cataract surgery, the most appropriate immediate action for the nurse to take is to notify the surgeon. This response is critical because postoperative pain, especially when described as severe, may indicate a complication or issue that requires the surgeon's assessment.

Severe pain can be a sign of several serious conditions, such as intraocular pressure increase, hemorrhage, or infection, which need prompt evaluation by the surgeon to determine the appropriate course of action. Immediate communication with the surgeon ensures that the patient receives timely intervention to address any potential complications.

While administering pain medication or checking vital signs may also play a role in managing the client's comfort, they are not as urgent as informing the surgeon about the patient's condition. Similarly, positioning the client supine might aid in comfort or stability but does not directly address the cause of the severe pain. Therefore, the priority is to alert the surgeon to effectively manage potential complications arising from the surgery.