Problem: The nurse is assessing a client on postoperative day 1 following a hernia repair. What is the priority action? Assess the client's pain level before ambulation. Assess the client's pain level before ambulation. Assist the client with ambulation using a gait belt. Assist the client with ambulation using a gait belt. Encourage deep breathing and slow walking during ambulation. Encourage deep breathing and slow walking during ambulation. Ensure the client has an assistive device before ambulating. Ensure the client has an assistive device before ambulating. Need Assignment Help?