In the early postoperative period, the nurse notes a bright red, 3″ × 5″ (7.6 × 12.7 cm) area of drainage on the client's abdominal laparotomy dressing. What should be the nurse's first action in...

In the early postoperative period, the nurse notes a bright red, 3″ × 5″ (7.6 × 12.7 cm) area of drainage on the client's abdominal laparotomy dressing. What should be the nurse's first action in response to this observation?

1. Ignore it because drainage is normal.

2. Increase the IV flow rate.

3. Take the client's vital signs.

4. Change the dressing.