What is an appropriate short-term pain goal after open reduction and internal fixation of the left hip?

• A. Pain score of 0 immediately after medication
• B. Pain score of 2 thirty minutes after medication
• C. Pain score of 5 after one hour
• D. Pain score of 8 after two hours

Answer: (B)

Postoperative pain management aims to enable early movement and rehabilitation after hip surgery by achieving comfortable, controllable pain within a practical time after giving analgesia. The best target is a low pain level within a short window after medication, because this shows the analgesia is effective enough to allow participation in therapy without excessive sedation or risk of undertreated pain. Zero pain right away is not realistic because medications take time to work, and a persistent higher pain level later suggests the plan isn’t providing adequate relief. A low pain level soon after dosing supports safe, active rehabilitation, whereas moderate or high pain after some time would hinder movement and recovery.