Final answer:
The nurse should not assume the client is not experiencing pain and should assess the pain level using appropriate pain assessment tools. Providing adequate pain relief is important for the client's comfort and healing process.
Step-by-step explanation:
When a male client on his first postoperative day after chest surgery appears stoic and does not ask for any pain medication, the nurse should not assume that the client is not experiencing pain. The nurse should assess the client's pain level by using appropriate pain assessment tools, such as a pain scale or verbal descriptors. The client may be trying to be brave and not show pain, or may not want to bother the nurse. However, it is important for the nurse to provide adequate pain relief to promote the client's comfort and facilitate the healing process.