12. this gentleman has worsening bilateral hydronephrosis. he did not have much of a post void residual on his bladder scan. he is taken to the operating room to have a bilateral cystoscopy and retrograde pyelogram. the results come back as gross prostatic hyperplasia with urinary retention as the cause of the hydronephrosis.

You are assessing an 86-year-old postoperative patient who has an unexpressive, stoic demeanor. when you enter the room, the patient is curled into the fetal position and your assessment reveals that his vital signs are elevated and he is diaphoretic. you ask the patient what his pain level is on a 0-to-10 scale that you explained to the patient prior to surgery. the patient indicates a pain level of “three or so.” you review your pain-management orders and find that all medications are ordered prn. how would you treat this patient's pain?