A nurse is collecting data for a client who is postoperative and has an elevated temperature. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?

A. Assist the client with dangling off the side of the bed: While mobilization can help prevent complications such as atelectasis or thromboembolism, it does not address the immediate concern of a possible postoperative infection indicated by the elevated temperature. B. Obtain a prescription to check the client's CBC: Ordering a CBC can help identify infection or inflammation, but it is a diagnostic action that follows initial assessment. Immediate assessment of potential sources of infection takes priority. C. Check the condition of the client's surgical incision: Assessing the surgical site is the first action because an incision can be a primary source of infection in postoperative clients. Early identification of redness, drainage, or other signs of infection allows prompt intervention. D. Instruct the client to breathe deeply and cough: Deep breathing and coughing are important for preventing respiratory complications, but they do not address the urgent need to assess for infection, which is indicated by the elevated temperature.