Final answer:
The patient imagining a vacation on the beach to manage pain is using the nonpharmacologic technique called imagery.
Step-by-step explanation:
If a patient is thinking about vacationing on the beach as a way to relieve pain from a fractured femur, the nonpharmacologic pain relief technique they are utilizing is imagery. Imagery involves using mental pictures to transport oneself to a more relaxing or pleasant situation, which can help in managing pain. This technique is distinctly different from other methods such as distraction, which involves focusing on external stimuli to divert attention from pain, relaxation techniques that typically involve exercises intended to relax the muscles and reduce tension, and biofeedback, which requires the use of equipment to monitor physiological responses and learn to control them.