Which action ensures that a patient will not have unnecessary pain during a linen change?

Administering a prescribed analgesic 30-60 minutes before the bed change is the most effective action to ensure that a patient will not experience unnecessary pain during the procedure. This proactive measure allows the medication to take effect, potentially alleviating discomfort the patient might feel during the linen change. By managing their pain ahead of time, healthcare providers can create a more comfortable and supportive environment for the patient.

While explaining the procedure or postponing the bed change if pain is reported can be beneficial, these actions do not directly address the issue of managing pain. Providing information or delaying the change might help in some situations, but they do not offer a direct solution to preventing discomfort during the procedure. Similarly, stopping the bed change if a patient expresses pain may be appropriate in certain contexts, but it does not provide a long-term solution for future linen changes, nor does it address the current need for pain management. Therefore, the choice to administer analgesics is a proactive and effective way to ensure the patient's comfort during the linen change.