The initial step to affect the safe management of mild to moderate acute pain that has not been controlled with over the counter medications is to:

Titrate dosage of a short-acting opioid upward over 24 hours to achieve relief

Begin acetaminophen (Tylenol) every 4 hours for 24 hours

Supplement with nonpharmacological interventions

Administer a single low dose of short-acting opioid and monitor for relief