Final answer:
The nurse should assess pain during the admission interview, every 4 hours for the first 2 days after surgery, and when the patient complains of pain.
Step-by-step explanation:
The nurse should assess pain in several situations:
- During the admission interview
- Every 4 hours for the first 2 days after surgery
- When the patient complains of pain
The assessment of pain is not limited to taking vital signs or relying solely on the patient's complaint. It is important for nurses to proactively assess pain to ensure timely and appropriate interventions are implemented.