A non-pharmacologic method to relieve postoperative pain?

• A. Morphine
• B. Acetaminophen
• C. Positioning
• D. Fentanyl patch

Answer: (C)

Positioning reduces postoperative pain by minimizing strain on the incision and supporting tissues, which lowers pain signals and makes movement and breathing more comfortable. Using pillows to splint the operative area during coughing or turning helps prevent pulling on the wound, while choosing a comfortable position that avoids direct pressure on the incision promotes relaxation and easier chest expansion. For many surgeries, a semi-Fowler’s or side-lying position with proper support aids lung expansion, circulation, and comfort, and changing positions regularly prevents stiffness and pain from prolonged immobilization. These nonpharmacologic strategies fit into multimodal pain management by complementing medications and often help reduce the needed opioid dose.

The other options involve medications that provide pain relief through pharmacologic mechanisms, not by body positioning or comfort measures.