A non-pharmacologic method for postoperative pain relief includes which technique?

• A. Relaxation techniques
• B. Opioid analgesics
• C. Intravenous lidocaine
• D. NSAIDs

Answer: (A)

Nonpharmacologic approaches to postoperative pain relief target how the patient experiences pain and calm the body's stress response. Relaxation techniques help by slowing breathing, lowering muscle tension, reducing heart rate and blood pressure, and shifting attention away from pain, which can lessen perceived pain and distress. They can include guided breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, visualization, mindfulness, or listening to calming music. These methods are safe, have minimal side effects, and fit well into multimodal pain management to reduce reliance on medications. In contrast, opioids, intravenous lidocaine, and NSAIDs are pharmacologic treatments that carry systemic effects and potential risks, and they act directly on pain pathways with drugs.